British Birds VOLUME 86 NUMBER 10 OCTOBER 1993

Sponsored by Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Michael J. Rogers and the Rarities Committee with comments by Colin Bradshaw and Peter Clement

his is the Rarities Committee's thirty-fifth annual report, and the Com­ T mittee wishes to express its sincere appreciation of the eleventh consecu­ tive year of sponsorship of its work by Carl Zfiss (Oberkochen) Ltd. Rarities Committee membership is listed on the inside front cover of British Birds each month, and on the back of the title page in each volume. Points of interest arising mainly from the Committee's annual meeting in April 1993 have been published already in 'Rarities Committee news and announce­ ments' (Brit. Birds 86: 299-300, 415-416), including several proposals which, for many records, will result in a shortening of the time between the occurrence of the bird and a decision on the record. Details of the Committee's constitu­ tion and operation have been published in 'Rare birds: the work of the British Birds Rarities Committee' (Brit. Birds 80: 487-491) and further details, together with the Committee's views on recording rarities, have been published in 'Rare-bird recording and the Rarities Committee' (Brit. Birds 86: 417-422). A fact sheet about the Committee, its list of species considered and copies of its record form (which should be used, or its format followed, when submitting reports) may be obtained from the Secretary, Michael J. Rogers, whose ad­ dress is at the end of this report (please enclose a suitable stamped addressed envelope). All records of any species on the Committee's list should be sent to the Sec­ retary, preferably through the appropriate county or regional recorder or, in the case of a trapped and ringed rarity, via the BTO Ringing Unit.

1992 and earlier years The Committee has already processed 751 records for 1992, 82% of which have been accepted. There are two records for 1992 still in circulation, 23 awaiting further information concerning the occurrence or comments from recorders or experts on the species, and 63 which were received too late for assessment for inclusion in this report. Excluding a number of records of

[Brit. Birds 86: 447-540, October 19931 447 448 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 acknowledged difficult species and subspecies, such as South Polar Skua Stereo- rarius maccormicki, Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii and Willow Warbler Phylbscopus trochilus yakutensis, a total of 66 records for 1991 and earlier years is still out­ standing: nine of these are under active consideration, whilst die remaining 57 are awaiting the results of further enquiries. During the past year, with die exception of a few records which require to be recirculated, the Rarities Committee completed its reviews of the records of American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica and Pacific Golden Plover P. Juba, Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida and Arctic Warbler Phylbscopus borealis. The results of these reviews will be published in due course. The Committee is currendy engaged upon reviews of the records of Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis and Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. Records which involve birds new to Britain are always of great interest. They are considered, in turn, by die British Birds Rarities Committee and by the British Ornithologists' Union Records Committee, and it is die latter which makes the decisions on categorisation and taxonomy. This report con­ tains a number of such highlights: Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus (at Charlton's Pond, Billingham, Cleveland, from January to April 1989), Mourning Dove ^enaida macroura (on Calf of Man, Isle of Man, in October and November 1989), Eastern Phoebe Sayomis phoebe (on Lundy, Devon, in April 1987) and Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater (on Islay, Strathclyde, in April 1988) have been added to Category A of the British and Irish list; Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius (at Skerryvore lighthouse, Strathclyde, in June 1985 and at Moel-y-gest, Gwynedd, in June 1987) and Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus (at Landguard Point, Suffolk, in June and July 1981) have been upgraded from Category D to Category A; 'Two-barred Warbler' Phylbscopus trochibides plumbeitarsus (on Gugh, Stilly, in October 1987) has been added to Category A as a race of Greenish Warbler; and Monk Vulture Aegypius monachus (at various localities in mid Wales from November 1977 to February 1978) and Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum (at Noss, Shetland, in June 1985) have been added to Category D.

Acknowledgments The Committee wishes to record its most sincere gratitude to all observers and county and regional recorders, bird observatory wardens and reserve wardens and their committees for their continued co-operation, upon which the day-to-day work of the Rarities Committee and this report's accuracy and completeness are entirely dependent. Special thanks are due also to the Irish Rare Birds Committee and its Secretary, Patrick Smiddy, for permission to include in this report all accepted records of rare birds in Ireland. The details, included in this report under the separate heading IREIAND, are published in the form supplied and relate wholly to records which have been assessed by the IRBG. This much-appreciated and long-standing co-operation allows the presentation of a complete review of all rare-bird records and running totals of all rare species in the geographical unit of Britain and Ireland. The Rarities Committee is indebted to many individuals and organisations for assistance during the past year. Once again (for the sixteenth time), Mike Rogers has compiled the main body of the report. The species comments have been written jointly by Dr Colin Bradshaw (non-passer­ ines) and Peter Clement (passerines), and the running totals for each species have been compiled by Peter Fraser and John Ryan, both teams remaining unchanged since last year. The Seabirds Advisory Panel, whose members are Peter Colston, Bill Curtis, Jim Enticott, Steve Madge and Tony Marr, continue to provide the Committee with specialist advice, as have Dr Bill Bourne, David Brewer, James Ferguson-Lees, Dick Forsman, Lars Jonsson, Barbara Massey, Rare birds in Great Britain in J 992 449 Urban Olsson, Prof. Eugeny Panov and Richard Ranft. The British library of Wildlife Sounds, the BTO, the Countryside Council for Wales, English Nature, Rare Bird News, the Rare Breed­ ing Birds Panel, the RSPB, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Zoological Museum at Tring have liaised over various matters. The Committee continues to encourage the submission of photographs and transparencies with rarity records, though not as substitutes for the written record, and thanks all photographers who have sent pictures of rarities, a selection of which enhances this report. Next month's issue of British Birds will feature 'The Carl Zeiss Award', which will be presented to the photographer who has supplied to die Rarities Committee 'the most helpful, interesting and instructive' photograph or transparency of a rarity, taken in the field or in the hand in Britain (see Brit. Birds 84: 589 for the full rules). The Committee is grateful also to tihose observers who included drawings of rarities in their record submissions; some of these are included in this report. PGL

Highlights The year 1992 was characterised by the occurrence of a number of extreme vagrants, some exceptional spring influxes of several species and yet also by some long quiet periods and a general lack of vagrants from the west. Both winter periods were noteworthy mainly for the reappearance of returning birds and the long stay of several regulars, with no marked incur­ sions of any wildfowl, gulls or northern finches, the Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni resorting to their more usual haunts of the Northern Isles. The most unusual bird of January was a Short-toed Lark CalandreUa brachydactyla at Spurn (Humberside), while three white Gyr Falcons Fako rusticolus in die North and Nordiwest were typically elusive, in contrast to the two wintering male Pine Buntings Emberiza leucocephaks. The almost simultaneous arrival of a Rustic Bunting E. rustica and a Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enuckator in late March possibly suggests that both had wintered somewhere in western Europe. April proved unremarkable except for a Pied-billed Grebe Poddym- bus podiceps and the first of three spring Little Bitterns Ixobrychus minutus, although 'old faithfuls' like the Black-browed Albatross Diomedea twkmophris and Ancient Murrelet Synihliborampkus antiquus returned to their favoured colonies, though only briefly. An incursion of Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis into northwest Europe saw at least 18 reach Britain: how many more went unde­ tected? Other southern herons were scarce, but a Squacco Heron Ardeoh mlloides and two new Glossy Ibises Plegadis falcinellus were noteworthy. As May progressed, and particularly after a hot airstream from southeast Europe finally reached Britain on 13th, so the number and variety of vagrants from origins south, east and even west seemed to grow daily. Expected southern overshoots included a few (duplicated?) Alpine Swifts Apus melba, ten Red- rumped Swallows Hirundo daurica, four Great Reed Warblers Acrocephalus amndinaceus, eight Short-toed Larks, two European Rollers Coracias gar- rulus, both in the Northwest, over 20 Subalpine Warblers Sybia caniilkms, most in the Northern Isles but including three in Ireland, and, exceptionally, five Sardinian Warblers S. mehnocephah. 'Surprisingly, eastern waders (three Marsh Sandpipers Tringa stagnatilis, three Broad-billed Sandpipers Lim- icob falcinellus and one Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinerms) were outnumbered by Nearctic waders (presumably heading north), with three American Golden Plovers Plwialis dominica, fhree Semipalmated Sandpipers Calidris pusilla, seven Lesser Yellowlegs T. jkwipes and a Long-billed Dow- itcher Limnodromus scokpaceus, all probably leftovers from autumn 1991. Three 450 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 species then dominated the May scene by sheer weight of numbers: Red- throated Pipits Anthus cervintis arrived in two main waves, with about eight during 14th-17th and 20 during 21 st-31 st, split mainly between Norfolk and the Northern Isles; Red-footed Falcons F. vespertinus were more widespread, but Norfolk and Kent took the lion's share of a record spring total which was apparently at least 107 individuals; and White-winged Black Terns Chlido- trias kucopterus, that most beautiful of the marsh terns, occurred en masse, with at least 16 during 18th-19th and five more around the same period, in marked contrast to which it was a blank year for Whiskered Tern C. hy- bridus. Extreme vagrants men seemed to occur in four areas: East Anglia, Yorkshire, St Kilda and the Northern Isles. A male Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis on St Kilda preceded a live Brunnich's Guillemot Una lomvia at the latter site and Britain's second Marmora's Warbler S. sarda together with a singing Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata at Spurn, while in East Anglia a singing River Warbler Locustella Jluviatilis and a White-throated Sparrow ^onotrichia albicollis appeared from opposite directions. Typically, Fair Isle struck back, with a multiple arrival of Black-headed Buntings Emberiza meknocephak and a Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola. Amongst all this action were an unprecedented number of Greenish Warblers Phylbscopus irochibides, a Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus in Highland and two more singing Booted Warblers, but there were only two Thrush Nightingales Luscinia luscinia, despite the high totals of Common Rosefinches Carpodacus erythrinus and Marsh Warblers A. palustris. Two or three Great White Egrets Egretta alba wandered around during July and August, and a Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor and a Great Spotted Cuckoo Cbmator glandarius were fairly normal occurrences. Tern- watchers located a Forster's Sterna forsteri and two Gull-billed Gekchelidon nibtica, whilst the Lesser Crested S. bengakrtsis raised another problematic hybrid. In a poor autumn for passage waders, three Pacific Golden Plovers Pluoklis Julva suggested that we may have a returning pool of adults. There was a Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaaltii in Essex and then Kent, and Norfolk continued its purple run with Britain's second Red­ necked Stint Calidris ruficollis. Other August highlights were the first non- adult-male and mainland Riippell's Warbler Sybia rueppelli, a tape-lured Baillon's Crake Porzftna pusilk and a single Great Snipe Gallinago media. One of the major features of the autumn was the lack of Nearctic waders, wildfowl and landbirds, and it was thus astonishing that, of the three Nearctic wood-warblers to appear, two were extreme vagrants and both relatively early: Britain's third Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia in August and Britain's sec­ ond Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina in early September, the latter being another major bird for St Kilda. Along with them in the early westerly flow came most of the rather few western waders of the autumn—including a juve­ nile Solitary Sandpiper T. solitaria on Fair Isle—and a Bobolink DoEckonyx oryzworus at die ofher end of the country. A Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus and a Northern Parula Panda americana completed the October crop from the west. From the east came another influx of White-winged Black Terns, and a simultaneous arrival of four Yellow-breasted Buntings Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 451 Emberiza aureola was unusual only in its far-flung distribution. September and early October were dominated by eastern vagrants in the Northern Isles, but, despite the presence of such headline-catching species as Yellow-browed Bunting E. ckrysophrys (Britain's third), Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola, and Siberian ^oothera sibirka, Eyebrowed Tardus obscums and Dark-throated Thrushes T. rufkollis, the totals of most species were unexceptional, with just one Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi, two Lanceolated Warblers L. lanceokta and only three Radde's Warblers Phyttoscopus schwarzi. There were, however, 13 Dusky Warblers P. Juscatus and, with cold, northerly winds cutting off the supply of eastern vagrants, only the increasingly regular Olive-backed Pipits A. hodgsoni and 'Siberian' Stonechats Saxicola torquata maura/ stejnegeri came through in any strength later in October. Other notables included Pied Wheatear Oenanlhe pleschanka (but no Desert Wheatears 0. deserti in 1992), Isabelline Wheatear 0. isabellina, Black-winged Pratincole Ghreola nordmanni, a fine total of six Bonelli's Warblers P. bonelli, a Paddyfield Warbler and a Desert Warbler Sylvia nana, all species apparently on the increase. From mid October onwards, however, avian vagrancy generally died a death, and it was left to the Nearctic to produce the last trump cards: two more Pied-billed Grebes, a new Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis and the second White- diroated Sparrow of the year, all except the duck remaining to winter at their chosen haunts. GPC

Systematic list of accepted records The principles and procedures followed in considering records were explained in the 1958 report (Brit. Birds 53: 155-158). The systematic list is set out in the same way as in the 1991 report (85: 507-554). The following points show the basis on which the list has been compiled. (i) The details included for each record are (iii) The sequence of species, English names (1) county; (2) locality; (3) number of birds if and specific nomenclature follow The 'British more than one, and age and sex if known (in Birds' List of English Monies of Western Palearctic the case of spring and summer records, Birds (1993). Any sight records of subspecies however, the age is normally given only where (including those of birds trapped and released) the bird concerned was not in adult plumage); are normally referred to as 'showing the char- (4) if photographed or tape-recorded (and this acters' of the race concerned, evidence seen or heard by the Committee); (5) (iv) The three numbers in brackets after if trapped or found dead and where specimen each species' name refer respectively to the is stored, if known; (6) date(s); and (7) total number of individuals recorded in Britain observer(s), up to three in number, in alpha- and Ireland (excluding those 'At sea') (1) to the betical order. end of 1957, (2) for the period since the forma- (ii) In general, this report is confined to don of the Rarities Committee in 1958, but records which are regarded as certain, and excluding (3) the current year. The decision as 'probables' are not included. In the case of the to how many individuals were involved is often very similar Long-billed Limnodromus scohpaceus difficult and rather arbitrary, but the consensus and Short-billed Dowitchers L. griseus, however, of members is indicated by 'possibly the same' we are continuing to publish indeterminate (counted as different in the totals), probably records, and this also applies to those of prat- the same' (counted as the same in totals), or incoles Glareola, albatrosses Diomedea and 'die same' when the evidence is certain or frigatebirds Fregata. overwhelming. An identical approach is 452 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 applied to records of the same species recur­ ures for previous years is held by the ring at the same locality after a lapse of time, Honorary Secretary. including those which occur annually at the (v) Irish records, assessed and accepted by same or a nearby site. In considering claims of the Irish Rare Birds Committee, are in­ more than one individual at the same or adja­ cluded separately, following the subheading cent localities, the Committee usually requires IRELAND. firm evidence before more than one is counted (vi) The world range is given in brackets in the totals. A detailed breakdown of the fig­ at the beginning of each species comment.

White-billed Diver Gavia adamsii (18, 130, 2) Orkney North Ronaldsay, adult, 28th April (M. Gray et al). Shetland Fedar, adult, 28th December (H. R. Harrop, M. Heubeck, R. J. Tulloch). 1991 Lothian Gosford Bay, Aberlady and Gullane Bay area, at least one first-summer, 31stjuly to September, two, 25th-30th August (Brit. Birds 85: 510), singles, 8th September (A. Brown), 16th (F. D. Hamilton), 25th (J. McOwat). 1991 At sea Sea area Thames, 50° 81' N 01° 55' E, about 6 km east of Ramsgate, Kent, 15th December (J. H. van der Dol, R. H. Lawrence et al). (Arctic Russia eastwards to Arctic Canada) A year returning to the pattern of more northerly records as befits this Arctic species. The ones summering in Lothian reflect the events of 1987, but fidelity to that site is unlikely to persist as all will be busy with family matters in future summers. Identifying one from a cross-Channel ferry required good teamwork by a good team.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podkeps (0, 13, 3) Cornwall Argal Reservoir, 14th November to 1993 (D. P. Eva et al). Northumberland Druridge Pools, 26th December to 9th May 1993, photographed (M. Carr, I. Fisher et al). Oxfordshire Radley Gravel-pit, Abingdon, 26th April to 17th May (N.J. Hallam, M. G. Wil­ son et al) (Brit. Birds 85: plate 299). (North and South America) With the best-ever year for this species and all being typical long-stayers, the mystery remains as to why and how this species should be prone to straggling to Europe. It is no more fond of the sea than is the Little Grebe Tachybaptm ruficollis, so presumably must make its way here by a succession of short hops via Greenland and Iceland's coastal waters. The larger grebes can sometimes be seen on visible migration travelling with par­ ties of ducks or even auks, but this is a nocturnal migrant. The wide spread of occurrence dates over the years holds no clues and does not suggest that Atlantic weather-patterns have any special relevance.

Black-browed Albatross Diomedea melanophris (2, 26, 0) Shetland Hermaness, Unst, individual last recorded 14th June 1991 (Brit. Birds 85: 510), 19th April to 30th June (M. Riddy per D. Suddaby). 1990 At sea Sea area Cromarty, 57° 49' N 02° 50' W, 12.6 km north of Portknockie, Grampian, 5th September, photographed (M. F. Leopold, 1*. Wolf). Sea area Irish Sea, about 6 km off Strumble Head, Dyfed, 17th September (C. W. Murphy). (Southern oceans) The Hermaness bird once more returned, but was only sporadic in its appearances. It has been recorded since 1972 with the excep­ tion of 1988 and 1989. A report of one from Fife has yet to be studied by this Committee. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 453 Albatross Diomedea (3, 44, 1) IRELAND The following record of an albatross, though not specifically identified, was considered most likely to have been a Black-browed. 1991 Cork Adult, Dursey Island, 8th October, The Irish Rare Birds Committee is currently reviewing all Irish albatross records,

Soft-plumaged Petrel superspecies Pterodroma mollis/madeira/feae (0, 3, 0) IRELAND 1990 Cork Cape Clear Island, 26th August. 1991 Down St John's Point, 20th August.

(Pacific, Central and Southern Atlantic, and Southern Indian Oceans).

Petrel Pterodroma (1, 5, 0) IRELAND 1989 Cork Old Head of Kinsale, 14th August. There is one other Irish record of a Pterodroma, off Cape Clear Island, Cork, in September 1974. Little Shearwater Puffinus assimilis (5, 82, 1) 1988 Dyfed Strumblc Head, two, 7th October (P. Murray, G. H. Rees). 1989 Northumberland Seaton Sluice, 17th July (M. Hepple, A. Hutt). 1991 Humberside Flamborough Head, 11th September (G. P. Catley, A. Grieve, M. Newsome et at.). IRELAND 1992 Cork Cape Clear Island, 14th August. The Irish Rare Birds Committee is currently reviewing all Irish little Shearwater and 'small shearwater' records. (Adantic south from Madeira and Caribbean, southern Pacific and Indian Oceans) Because of the difEculty in providing convincing evidence of identity on paper, Little Shearwaters take a considerable time to be accepted. It is, therefore, not surprising that all the British records in this report refer to birds from earlier years. It seems that many observers have become fixated on use of the terms 'whirring' and 'auk-like' when describing Little Shearwater's flight. It is the view of the Committee that these are excellent terms for describing auks, but are not really referable to Little Shearwater.

WOson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceankus (4, 13, 0) 1990 Cumbria South Walney, 9th October (T. Dean). 1990 Dyfed Strumble Head, 6th September (P. Bristow, G. H. Rees et al). (Southern oceans) Wilson's Storm-petrel is one of the few rewards that come all too infrequendy to dedicated watchers from western headlands. The observers of both these birds certainly fall into that category with, collectively, thousands of hours spent seawatching. Identifying a bird such as this is partic­ ularly difficult when there is no-one else present with whom to check the fea­ tures. In view of this, the Walney bird was not only well watched, but also particularly well described.

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus (0, 1,0) 1989 Cleveland Chariton's Pond, Billingham, 11th January to 21st April (T. j. Williams et al.) {Brit. Birds 82: plates 180-182). (North America) One of the more underwhelming species added to the British List in the last decade. The finder should be congratulated for not only 454 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 suspecting the identification initially but also having the persistence required to get others to this unlikely spot for a British first. It performed well to packed crowds and TV cameras and allowed detailed scrutiny of the differences between it and Great Cormorant P. carbo.

Frigatebird Fregata (1, 4, 0) IREIAND The following record refers to an unidentified frigatebird, most probably a female Magnificent F. magnifkms. 1989 Dublin Dalkey, 18th June. (Tropical oceans) The totals include the sole fully accepted bird, a Magnificent of the Caribbean race rothschildi, on Tiree, Strathclyde, in 1953.

Little Bittern Ixobtycfms minutus (150, 165. 3) Cornwall Porthgwarra, d\ 25th-26th May (R. Green, K. Murray et al). Scilly St Mary's, 9, 20th April (G. G. & Mrs D.J. S. Stephenson). St Martin's, sex uncertain, 19th May (Miss C. E. Lankester, K. Pellow). (Western Eurasia, Africa and Australia; winters Africa and southern Asia) These three records are typical in bodi date and locality, although, as the range of the species contracts in Europe, vagrants are liable to become less frequent. Neither the well-watched individual at Holkham, Norfolk, nor another seen at Fairburn Ings, West Yorkshire, have yet been submitted.

Night Heron Nyctkorax nycikorax (165, 306, 15) Avon Chew Valley Lake, second-summer or adult, 4th June (M. A. Bailey, J. M. B. King). Cambridgeshire Fordham, second-summer, 2nd-3rd June (B. Jellyman, O. Marks, D. Palmer et al). Cheshire Budworth Mere, first-summer, 16th May (P. M. Hill, J. M. Mottishaw et al). Dorset Radipole, adult, 22nd June (G. B. Barrett et al). Greater London Feltham, adult, 9th- 10th June (F. Chandler, J. & P.Jackson, R. Wells et al). Hampshire Woodmill, Southampton, juvenile, 15th November to at least 9th February 1993 (D.J. Unsworth et al) (plate 140). Strathclyde Craigie Park, Ayr, juvenile, 28th August to 11th September (Mrs A. Griffiths, R. H. Hogg et al). Ailsa Craig, Ayr, juvenile, 11th September (B. Zonfrillo). Near Larkhall, Lanark, juvenile, 9th September (J. Douglas). Suffolk Felixstowe, first-year, late January to 4th March (P. Mason, R. B. Warren et al). Sussex, West Pulborough Brooks, adult, 8th April Q. M. Paton, J. Reaney. C.J. Walder et al). Tayside See 1991 Tayside below. 1989 Glamorgan, South Roath Park, Cardiff, juvenile, 26th November to 1990 (Brit. Birds 83: 443), to 17th February (per P. Bristow). 1990 Devon Newton St Cyres, adult, 28th-30th March (S. Colombe, T. Willison). 1990 Dyfed Skomer, first-summer, remains of, 27th April (S. J. & Mrs A. C. Sutcliffe, H. A. Williams et al). 1990 Glamorgan, South See 1989 Glamorgan, South, above. 1990 Yorkshire, North Hilla Green Bridge, second-summer, 24th May (G. L. Batten, J. Gig- gal, C. Sollitt et al.). 1990 Yorkshire, West Otley, adult, about 14th July to at least 11th August (A. G. Gough, S. Lovric et al). 1991 Tayside Findarje area, juvenile, 4th November to at least 24th January 1992 (D. E. Dick­ son, J. Stevenson et al.) (Brit Birds 85: plate 194). IRELAND 1991 Wexford First-winter, South Slob, 30th November. 1992 Cork Three first-years, Ballymaloe, 17th May, two on 18th and one on I9th May. First- year, Lough Aderry, 19th May. 139. Great White Egret Egretta alba, Loch Lochy, Highland, June 1990 (G. Can)

140. Juvenile Night Heron Nyctkorax nycUcorax, Southampton, Hampshire, December 1992 {Tony Croucher) 141. Cattle Egret Bubukus ibis, Maple Cross, Hertfordshire, May 1992 {R. C. Wilson) 456 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 (South Eurasia, Africa and the Americas; European population winters in Africa) In 1992, Night Herons made something of a return to their usual recent status, after the dearth in 1991. Records showed a typical spread, with two overwintering, spring overshoots and displaced juveniles in autumn. Although the trio of records of juveniles in Strathclydc could suggest genuine vagrancy, the presence of unringed, free-flying juveniles and adults at the Edinburgh Zoo colony must bring these and the overwintering Tayside bird under suspicion. Whether this dilemma can ever be sorted out is debatable, and many British records could relate to these feral individuals. Perhaps the only logical recourse is to accept as wild all that are seen well enough to ascer­ tain that they are not colour-ringed.

Green Heron Butorides viresams (0, 3, 0) (North and Central America, and West Indies) A report of an immature from St Peter Port, Guernsey, in September has yet to be assessed by the Committee.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralhides (95, 31, 1) Cornwall Towednack, 13th-19th May (M.J, Rogers, D. Walsh el at), (Southern Europe, southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) A single, first noted from the garden of the Committee's Honorary Secretary, seemed a just reward for his having to spend the rest of the spring at die typewriter. It has to be stated that the behaviour of some who came to sec it was far from exemplary.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (2,51, 18) Cambridgeshire Burwell, two, 20th May (1). Palmer), presumed to come from Welney, Nor­ folk. See also Norlblk. Hertfordshire Stackers Lake and Maple Cross area, eight, 3rd-4th May (G. EHon, A. Stride el at.) (lirit. Birds Kr. plate 293; 86: plate 141), two presumed to move to Norfolk. Humbersirle Mcssingham, 6th-10th May, photographed (G. P. Catley, N. Drinkall, J. T. Harri- man H ail Kent Stodmarsh, 7th-8th .May (IX C. Gilbert el at). Lincolnshire Near Mablelhorpe, lour, 7th May (R. J. & Mrs H. Hill, P. Towler), presumed to come from North Yorkshire. Norfolk Welney, 9lh-20th May, five, 9th-15th, two, 18lh-20th, all roosted nearby in Cam­ bridgeshire (T. M. Brooks, J. B. Kemp, J. G. Lowen el a/.), two presumed to visit Burwell, Cam­ bridgeshire, three presumed to come from Suffolk, and two presumed to come front Hertfordshire. Suffolk Ousden, three, 3rd May, two photographed (L. Garttillon, G. R., N. P. & R. F. Numij. presumed to move to Welney, Norlblk. Yorkshire, North Nunnington, live, 6th May, photographed (CX & Mrs J. Turner), four pre­ sumed to move to Lincolnshire. (Almost cosmopolitan in tropics; nearest breeders in north of France) The fact that the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Suffolk records came by chance from observant farmers at localities well away from the haunts of birdwatchers sug­ gests that still more may well have featured in this influx. Nonetheless, the Committee felt obliged to adopt a statistically conservative approach to the available data. The four in Lincolnshire had dark legs, whereas all members of the Hertfordshire party were apparently in prime breeding condition. At least one more remains to be reported to the Committee. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 457 little Egret Egretta garzetta (23, 717, -) 1990 Cheshire Rostherne Mere, 1st May (D. A. Clarke,,). P. Day, P. G. H. Wolstenholme), previously not accepted (Brit. Birds 85: 553). Neumann's Hash, 6th May (Bril. Birds 85: 511), was at Lostock. 1990 Fife Lochore Meadows, 5th June (W. Gilfiltan et a/.), also in Highland. 1990 Highland See above. 1990 Man, Isle of Many localities, at least two, 17th March to 13th May (DrJ. P. Cullen, F. Moore el at.). (South Eurasia, Africa and Australia) The task of assessing these gets easier as we know that fewer and fewer back-records will come in each year. The Committee hopes that these admittedly beautiful birds have become so estab­ lished that they will never become rarities again. There is no doubt, however, that the unexpected discovery of one of these birds away from the South Coast 'hot-spots' will still make many an observer's month, if not year.

Great White Egret Fgretla alba (10, 45, 6) Grampian Ythan F.stuary, 10th-15th June, photographed (S. M. & W. G. Johnston el a/.). Hampshire Needs Oar Point, 17th July, photographed J. M. (Hark, Dr G. P. Green et at.). Leicestershire/Northamptonshire Stanford Reservoir, 5lh-21st July, photographed (S. Tillcy, I. M. Wilson et id). Northumberland Holywell Pond, 4th July (T. R. Cleeves, J. K. Ferguson et al). Somerset Durieigh Reservoir, 1 Ith-Htli July (S. Rogers et at). Warwickshire Brandon Marsh, 8th July (M. Taylor et al). 1990 Highland Bunkargaig, Loch Lochy, 31st May to 1st June, photographed (A. Mec, D. .VI. Pnllan el al) (plate 139). Loch Droma, 3rd June (J. McGhie, D. Willis et al), not same as I,och Ijoehy; metal ring, right leg, uutraced. (Almost cosmopolitan; extremely local in Europe) A return to numbers more typical of recent years after the scarcity in 1991. Given the regular, if small, numbers wintering in the Netherlands and Belgium, it seems only a matter of time before one winters somewhere in Britain. The Northumberland individual was photographed but tio photographs were submitted to the Committee, nor were details of at least two other reports.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra (26, 81, 1) Avon Bath, 13thJune (P.J. Rasierfiekl). 1991 Norfolk Stillkey, Kith-17th June (S.J. Harrap, R. G. Miiliugton et id). (Eurasia and Southern Africa; winters Africa) A further addition to the remarkable series of records in 1991 and then a return to the pre-1987 num­ bers. In a spring with so many eastern vagrants, this perhaps suggests that our ones tend to be southern in origin.

Glossy Ibis Pkgadu falcinetlus (many, 57, 4) Cheshire Neumann's and Mansion Flashes, 2nd-3rd October (R. B. Dyke, D. M. Walters et al), presumed same as Cumbria. Cleveland Haverton Hole, 5th May (M. A. Blick, C. Sharp et al). Cumbria Near Kirkbride, 30th September (R. Bottomley), also in Cheshire. Kent Stodmarsh area, since 1991 (liril. Birds 85: 513) to 4th April, 1st August to end of year; same, Sheppey, 21st-28th March, 29th April to 31st May, 18th-22nd July (per D. W. Taylor). Norfolk Cley and Kelling Quag, (ill) May J). A. Bridges, M. N. Sidwell, Miss B. Vevers et al). Suffolk Carlton Marshes, 6lh-8th May (R. C. Smith et al); same, Minsmerc, 6th (M. Farrow, G, R. Welch el al.\ not same as Norfolk. 1987 Buckinghamshire Willcn lake. 29th Mav (Bril. Birds 81: 544), now considered not accept­ able. 458 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 1988 Bedfordshire South Mills, 13th May (Brit. Birds 82: 560), now considered not acceptable. (Almost cosmopolitan, but nearest breeders in Camargue wintering in Africa) The unacceptable 1987 and 1988 records, together with one from Cambridgeshire in 1989, arc now considered to have been insufficiently well- documented to exclude the possibility of confusion with the Hertfordshire Puna Ibis Pkgadis ridgtmyi, which is known to have absented itself periodically from its usual haunts. An excellent year for new birds, with at least four indi­ viduals appearing. This was mirrored in other northern European countries, with records in Belgium, Finland and Sweden.

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus (0, 8, 0) IRK.1ANI) A returning adult of the North American race C. c. columbianus was recorded as follows. 1991-92 Wexford Adult, North Slob, 3rd March and 17th December to 2nd February 1992. (North America)

Lesser White-fronted Goose Ansa etythropiis (47, 76, 0) (Northeast Europe and Siberia; winters Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia) Because of the confusion over origins of the ones seen in Britain, die Committee has opted to provide details of all occurrences in die species com­ ment only. This allows details to be placed on record, but not included in die statistics, which are intended to relate to wild individuals. The Finnish rc-introduction scheme produced the 'neck-ringed' individual at Slimbridge from 1990 onwards; introduced stock in Sweden has already bred with wild individuals and produced young, which have not been ringed. The effect of these schemes is that we can no longer assume that birds dis­ playing 'traditional' features of wild Lesser White-fronted Goose arc genuine 'wild' birds. It is important, so that patterns can be assessed and monitored, that all records of this species are submitted, even when they arc suspected of being feral. An adult was at Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes, Avon, from 18th October 1991 to 15th February 1992. An adult was at Read's Island, Humberside, from 8th May to about 12th October 1992, when it was shot dead. In Kent, two adults and an immature were in the Westbcre area from 5th to 19th May 1991 and an adult was in the Sheppey/Elmley/Swale area from 24th February to 16th May 1992. In Lancashire in 1991, single adults were at Rufford on 7th October, Martin Mere from 4th October to 6th November and on 27th November, Little Crosby on 3rd December and Cockerham on 8th December: these could have referred to just two individu­ als; also, ringed first-winter (captive-reared, released Swedish Lapland) at Aldcliffe Marsh from 22nd November 1991 to at least 22nd April 1992. In Lincolnshire, an adult with an injured leg was at Saltfleetby on 31st October 1992, and other single adults were at Musselburgh, Lothian, on 15th-17th June 1992, at Stanhoe, Norfolk, from 9th to at least 23rd November 1991, and at Blithfield, Staffordshire, on 5th and 13th October 1991. In addition, the Wildfowl & Wedands Trust summer survey identified 29 free-flying indi­ viduals, including 24 in East Anglia. The principal site was the Otter Trust at Bungay, Suffolk, where a flock of 15 full-winged birds is kept. There were four Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 459 at Lackfcrd Wiidfowl Reserve, two on the River Burc broads and singles at three other Norfolk sites. Elsewhere, there were two in Gloucestershire and singles in Kent, Clwyd and Cumbria. Wc have also heard of a free-flying flock in Dorset, and would welcome further details of this.

Brent Goose Branla bemkla (1, 54, 0) Individuals showing the characters of the North American and East Siberian race B. b. nigricans were recorded as follows: Hampshire Sec Sussex, West. Suffolk Sec 1991 Suffolk below. Sussex, West Thorncy Island and other localities, Chichester Harbour, adult, since 1991 to 15th February, presumed same, 11th October to 1993: also visited Hayling Island, Hampshire; another adult, 30th January possibly to 8th February, presumed same as second 1991 individual (C. B. Collins et at.). See 1991 Sussex, West, below. 1990 Hampshire Farlington Marsh, adult, at least 8th January (I. Iakin, R. White et at.}. 1990 Kent Swaledifle area, adult, 23rd October to 25th November (Brit. Birds 85: 514), ob­ servers were j. A. S. Patterson et at. 1991 Suffolk Felixstowe, adult, 8th December to 26th May 1992 (M. C. Marsh a aL). 1991 Sussex, West Thorncy Island and other localities, Chichester Harbour, adult, since 1990 [Brit. Birds 84: 459) to 3rd January; presumed same, 25th October intermittently to 1992, ac.com- panied by four juveniles resembling B. b. bmuda; adult, 13th-21st January, presumed returning 1989 individual {Brit. Birds 83: 448), accompanied on 21st by four juveniles resembling B. b. nigri­ cans (O. B. Collins). IRELAND 1989 Wicklow Adult, Kilcoolc, 18th April. 1991-92 Down Adult, Newcastle and Minerstown, 24th February to 4th March 1991 and pre­ sumably the same individual at Newcastle from 30th December to at least 2nd April 1992. It was also seen at Killough from 11 ill to 19th April 1992. 1991 Dublin Adult, Bull Island, 16th to 22nd April. Adult, Rogcrstown, 29th December. 1991 Londonderry Adult, Faughanvale, Lough Foyle, 25th October. Considered to be the same individual as seen in previous years. 1992 Dublin Adult, Rogcrstown, 28th November, Adult, Corballis, 22nd November. 1992 Londonderry Adult, Faughanvale, Lough Foyle, 7th to 28th October. The same indi­ vidual as in previous years. Most, if not all, of these records very probably refer to returning individuals. (Arctic North America and East Siberia; winters USA and East Asia) There was an adult at Havre des Pas, Jersey, on 28th October 1991 to 6th February 1992, presumed to be returning individual last recorded 4th-12th December 1984 (Brit. Birds 79: 543). As mentioned last year and demonstrated in the 1991 entry for Sussex, there now appear to be 'hybrid' juveniles visiting Britain and, consequently, descriptions must now eliminate these and show all the characters of this race. 'Hybrid' young have also been reported in Zuidholland and Zceland, Netherlands (Dutch Birding 15: 61-63).

Red-breasted Goose Branla ruficollis (15, 25, 0) Cumbria Rockclillc Marsh, (irst-winler, 22nd March to 19th April (A. Baldwin, D. Bailey, C. Wilson et at,), presumed same as Dumfries & Galloway. Dumfries & Galloway Cacrlaveroek since 1991, then Mersehead to 7ill March, also in Cum­ bria; presumed same, Cacrlaveroek, as adult, 5(h October to 7th November, near Dumfries, lOlli November to 10th January 1993 (P. N. Collin et at.'}. 1991 Dumfries & Galloway Cacrlaveroek, (irst-wiuler, 2nd October to 1992 (P. N. Collin d at.). (West Siberia; winters Southeast Europe) A welcome return for this lovely goose, not recorded in Britain since 1988, but, in typical fashion, returning in 460 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 successive years. Let us hope that this presages a run .of records similar to that in the mid 1980s.

American Wigeon Anas amaicana (22, 227, 10) Dorset Liltlesea. The Fleet, 6. 31st Oetober; same, Lodmoor, 15th to at least 22nd November (D. J. Chown, I. Prophet, J. Williamson el at). Fife Burntisland, 6", 10th October to 1993. presumed returning individual last recorded Loehore Meadows, 8th December 1991 (Bnl. Birds 85: 514); first-winter

1991 Cork Adult male, Rosscarbery, I st November. 1991-92 Fermanagh Male and lemalc, Castle Caldwell, Lower Lough Fane, 16th January to 26th March 1991. The same individuals were again present from 8th October 1991 to 3rd April 1992. 1992 Clare Adult male, Lough O'Gradv, 22nd Mav to 1st June. Probably the same individual as recorded in 1991. 1992 Kerry Adult male, Ballydavid, 21st to 22nd June. (North America; winters USA and Central America) The trio in Fife prompt the suspicion that breeding may have taken place somewhere other than on the west side of the Atlantic and this could, in turn, suggest that they are not of genuinely wild origin. Even so, could the Grampian male have been that on Shetland making a refuelling stop en route to Iceland? Further records from Grampian remain under consideration. A 1991 record from Pelt Level, Fast Sussex, on 1st June was considered to relate to two probable escapes. At the BBRC identification meeting, evidence was presented showing that some of the supposedly diagnostic features separating this species from Eurasian Wigeon A. penelope are unreliable. This will be published in 'From the Rarities Committee's files' in the near future.

Common Teal Anas crecca (13, 323, —) Drakes showing the characters of the North American race A. c. carolinensis were recorded as follows: 1989 Sussex, West Arundel, 21st April to 1st May (Bnl. Birds 83: 450), 2nd (A. S. Cook). 142 & 143. Male Ring-necked Ducks Aythya collaris. above, Willen Lake, Buckinghamshire, May 1991 (Martin S. Gamer); below, Kendal, Cumbria, December 1992 (Steve Young/Birdwatch) 462 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

1990 Humberside Btacktoft Sands, 2nd-10th July (C. Featherstone, A. Grieve et al.). 1990 Norfolk Cley, 21st March to 25th April (M. A. Golley, D.J- Holman H al). 1990 Sussex, West Arundel, 10th-24lh March (Brit. Birds 85: 515), presumed returning 1989 in­ dividual above. 1990 Yorkshire, North/West Fairburn Ings, 30th March to 8th May (R. Homer, J. Lunn el al.). (North America) A batch of records from past years; this race is no longer considered by the Rarities Committee. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (19, 156, 6) Avon Chew Valley Lake, 9, 29th July to 13th August (K. L. Fox, K. E. Vinicombe et al.). Cheshire Inner Marsh Farm, <$,' 27th-28th May {G. Hogan, G. H. Rhodes, M. G. & Dr J. E. Turner et al). Cornwall Upper Tamar Reservoir, 3, first-winter 8 and 9, 11 th January (S. M. Christophers, E.J. Cook). Lancashire Martin Mere, cT, 3rd-6th September (D.J. Rigby, C. G. Tomlinson et al.). 1988 Cambridgeshire Fen Drayton, 9, 20th August to 8th October (Brit. Birds 84: 461), aged as first-summer, reared three, probably four, hybrid young, probably present since June. 1988 Yorkshire, North Bolton-on-Swale, 9 or immature, 29th September to 9th October (D. Beaumont el al). 1991 Dorset Abbotsbury, first-winter, 30th October to 2nd November (M. A. Hallett el al). (North America; winters south to Brazil) A male at Arundel Wildfowl Reserve, West Sussex, from 2nd to at least 27th November 1991 was consid­ ered likely to have been of captive origin; it had some white primaries. Partial albinism occurs much more commonly among captive-bred birds than in the wild. The presence of presumed hybrid offspring in Cambridgeshire in 1988 is another compounding problem. Ring-necked Duck Ajthya coUaris (1, 313, 8) Cornwall Drift Reservoir, 6, since 1991 (see 1991 below), intermittently to 4th March, 14th October to 1993, presumed same, Marazion, at least 14th February, Loe Pool, intermittently, 19th April to 22nd November, Stilhians Reservoir, 19th-29th September, 2nd October, Bussow Reservoir, 13th October (J. F. Ryan el al). Cumbria River Kent, Kendal, cT, 25th November to 1993, photographed J. Lishman el at.) (plate 143), presumed same as Wayoh Reservoir, Lancashire, last recorded 22nd December 1991 [Brit. Birds Ho: 515). Devon Topsham, d\ 27th May (D. Wood). Grampian Loch of Strathbeg,

1991 Cornwall Argal and College Reservoirs, 9, 9th-28th February (B. Cave et at.). Drift Reser­ voir and Marazion, two 36 since 1990 to 6th March, one to 22nd (Btil. Birds 85: 515), one to 30th, other to 17th April, both, Loe Pool, 1st, 20th April, one, 10th, one or other, 10th August to 30lh November, presumed one of same, Drift Reservoir, 14th December to 1992 (per S. M. Christophers, J. F. Ryan). 1991 Dyfed Milford Haven, 3, 23rd to at least 25th April (J. W. Donovan, P. Kerrison et a/.), possibly same as Cornwall. 1991 Hampshire Arlington (lane) Gravel-pit, 6, 9th-28th March {Brit. Birds 85: 515), same, Timsbury Gravel-pit, 1st January to 8th March, returned, Linbrook Lake, Blashford, 16th-27th November, Timsbury Gravel-pit, 28th to 1992 (per J. M. Clark). 1991 Norfolk Acle, Ranworth and Wroxham Broads, 6*, 10th-25th February (Brit. Birds 85: 515), Belaugh Broad, 26th (per P. R. Allard). 1991 Northumberland Cresswell Pond, 3, 21st September (P. W. Davidson, R. Fairhurst per B. N. Rossiter), same, Druridge Pools, 22nd-26th (per B. \. Rossiter), same as Tyne & Wear (Brit. /frit 85: 516). 1991 Strathclyde Mannaham Ixch, 9, 6th-16th April (W. A. Davidson, R. H. Hogg el al). Bogton Loch and Waterside, River Doon, cT, 19th January to 20th April (P. McEwan, G. Mitchell, A. Stevenson el al.), returned, Bogton Ixich, 16th October to 6th November (J. Hazlett et al.), previously recorded, Bogton 1/jcb, 9th-10th October 1990 (Brit Birds 84: 462). 1991 Yorkshire, South Worsborough Reservoir,

Lesser Scaup Aylhya affinis (0, 4, 1) Dorset Hatch Pond, Poole Harbour, ftrst-winter 3, 28th November, 4th-5th December, pho­ tographed (M. Constantinc, I. M. Lewis, S. Robson, S. F. Smith et al.), same, Iittlesca, 6th, 10th- 1 Uh December (S.J. Morrison). IRHI-ANO 1991-92-93 Down The male of previous years visited several Co. Down sites up to 23rd Febru­ ary 1991. It returned on !7th November and remained to 17th March 1992. It returned again on 15th November and remained into 1993. This individual first appeared in this area from Febru­ ary to April 1988 and has returned every winter since then. (Western North America; winters south and east to Colombia) The price of a captive-bred Lesser Scaup has decreased considerably over the past few years, which must indicate that more are being bred. There seems no reason, 464 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 however, to doubt the credentials of the one in Northern Ireland. As men­ tioned in the 1990 report {Brit. Birds 84: 463), identification of this duck, par­ ticularly in non-adult-male plumage, is difficult, and the observers of the Dorset bird should be congratulated.

King Eider Somateria spectabilis (62, 165, 4) Borders St Abb's Head, second-year 8, 22nd April to 18th May (R. G. Young et al), probably returning 1991 first-year o* (Brit. Birds 85: 519), presumed also in Grampian. Northumberland. Fife Tayport, 8, 19th January to at least 8th March (D. E. Dickson, M. Ramage et al), pre­ sumed returning 1991 individual (Brit, Birds 85: 519) and one or other of Ythan Estuary, Grampian, individuals. Grampian Annachie, 8, 23rd March (T. W. Marshall). Ythan Estuary, 3, 24th March to end of May (T. W. Marshall, S. A. Regneussan et al), same as Annachie; another 8, 3rd to end of May (Dr I. M. Phillips, K. D. Shaw et al), one or other also in Fife. Gtrdleness, second-year 8, 11 th-12th January (Dr I. M. Phillips, S. A. Reeves, K. D. Shaw et al), presumed same, Sandend, 31st May to 8thJune (D. Barr, M.J. H. Cook, P. T. Hirst), probably same as Borders, Northum­ berland; 8, 21st-23rd September (Dr I. M. Phillips, G. Ruthven). Lossiemouth,

Fig. 1. Male King Eider Somateria spectabilis in eclipse, Lossiemouth, Grampian, 3rd October 1992 (R. Proctor) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 465 (Circumpolar Arctic) Most of those recorded this year relate to known indi­ viduals. The St Kilda bird, at least, however, seems to be new, while one of the Scottish birds crossed the border into Northumberland. The statistics are being rationalised and a paper on King Eider occurrences will be published in British Birds shortly. Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata (75, 290, —) 1982 Norfolk Cley, 18th September (Brit. Birds 77: 517), now considered inadequately docu­ mented. 1990 Humberside Reighton Sands, near Speeton, 8, 11th November (T. Isherwood). IRELAND 1990 Down Male, Dundrum Bay, 5th January. (North America) This species left the Committee's list in 1990. Hooded Merganser Mergus cucullatus (5, 0, 0) 1983 Buckinghamshire Willen Lake, 9, 28th-29th December (Brit. Birds 81: 550), now regarded as probable escape. (North America) An almost inevitable decision after events of the past two to three years. In the Netherlands, there are records of mis species in most years which are regarded as referring to escapes.

Black Kite Milvus migrans (5, 158, 12) Dorset Portland, 15th May (D., G. & Mrs S. Walbridge). East Knighton, 16th May (C. Auld, R. Price, N. Symes et al). Near Creech Heath, 6th June, photographed (R. J. Arnfield, A. E. Blake) (plate 144), presumed same, Durlston, 5th-6th (per M. Cade) (plate 145).

144 & 145. Black Kite Milvus migrans, June 1992: above, near Creech Heath, Dorset (A. E. Blake); below, Durlston, Dorset (Gavin Maclean) 466 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Essex Stow Marsh, 17th May (A. W. Shearring). East Tilbury, 24th May (F, Frampion, G. Glombeck, P. Warner el al). Shoeburyness, 2nd June (A. R. Perkins). Great Wakering, 21st August (A. R. & Miss J. Perkins). Humberside Tophill Low, 1 Itli April (R. Lyon, F. X. Moffati). Kent Stodmarsh area, 24th May (Mrs S. B. Carter, T, Hatton, R. S, Kelly et al). Lancashire Pcrtdle, 23rd May (P. Massey). Norfolk Stiflkev, 24th August (S. M. Starling). Wight, Isle of Grxlshill, 19th May (Mrs M. Beisley, D. B. Wooldridge). 1988 Cleveland South Garc, 16th April (M. A. Blick, D. Page, N. A. Preston). 1989 Kent Sandwich Bay, 29th May (P. W.J. Findley, W. E. Fletcher et al). ' 1989 Lincolnshire Frampton and Holbeach Marshes, 9th June (C. R. & Mrs K. R. Casey, M. H. Champion et al). 1989 Yorkshire, West Swillington, 2nd May (A. J. & 1. A. Ross). 1990 Hampshire Hawkhill Inclosure, New Forest, 9th May (D. J. Burges). 1990 Scilly Bryher and 'Fresco, 13th May fl. W. Hale, D. H, Payne et al). 1991 Cornwall Hayle, 16th April (A. R. Birch, L. P. Williams). 1991 Kent Broadstairs, 4th August (B. Short a al.}. 1991 Yorkshire, North Near Hillen, 7th May (G.J. Todd). (Most of Eurasia, Africa and Australia; winters Africa and southern Asia) The distinctive jizz of Black Kite is difficult to convey on paper, and records can be equally difficult to judge: there are several still awaiting a final decision from die Committee. Despite this, there were more in 1992 than in 1991, mosdy spring overshoots.

White-tailed Eagle Halimetus albicilla (many, 21, 0) 1989 Humberside Humberstone, 26th April (J. B. Baranowski, G. Gorman et al.}. Spurn, 8th May (I. Crowther, C. P. Musgrave el al). Messingham, Scawby and Brigg area, 2lst-22nd May (W. Gillatt, J. Petyt et al.). All presumed same as 1989 Humberside and Iincolnshire individual already published (Brit. Birds 83: 457). (Southwest Greenland, Iceland and northern Eurasia) No acceptable records of wild individuals once again.

Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (100, 386, 107) Avon Stanton Wick, first-summer tJ, 30th May to 3rd June (A. H. Davis el al). Berkshire Dinton Pastures Country-park, Hurst, first-summer

Fig. 2. First-summer female Red-footed Falcon Fako sespertinus, Gloucestershire/Wiltshire, May- June 1992 (R. G. Baatsen)

Gloucestershire Cotswold Water Park, two first-summer 9 9, 29th May to 2nd June, pho­ tographed (R. G. Baatsen, P. Chaney et al) (fig. 2), also in Wiltshire. Grampian Kirkton, first-summer 9, 31st May to 13th June, taken into care injured, pho­ tographed (A. G. Clarke, I. Gordon et al) (plate 153). Greater London Walthamstow, 9, 2nd June (S. Fenwick). Hampshire Bishop's Dyke, 8, 17th May (K. A. Arber, P. Gammidge, Dr P. Whitfield), pre­ sumed same, Ashley Walk, 25th-26th (M. C. & P. Combridge, Dr A. M. Hanby, G. C. Stephen­ son el al). Near Burley, first-summer 9, 10th-15th June (N. W. Orr), presumed same, Picket Post, 21st (ML C. & P. Combridge), presumed same, Fritham Plain, 27th (T. ML J. Doran). Houghton, 8, first-summer 8, 24m May, 8 to 25th (Dr A. M. Hanby, G. C. Stephenson et al). Southamp­ ton, first-summer 8, 19th May (D. A. Christie). Highland Duthil, near Carrbridge, 8, 29th May (D. E. &J. Horrabin). Humberside Spurn, 9, 15th May (D. P. Boyle et al); first-summer 8, 29th May (J. S. Barclay, A. M. Pratt et al). Tophill Low, 8, 28th May (W. H. Lealman, G. Norris). Flamborough Head, first-summer 8, 30th May (J. Mclaughlin). Kent Rushenden, first-summer 8, 14th May J. A. Rowlands). Stodmarsh, at least seven: 9, 20th May (C. D. Abrams, D. B. Rosair); at least two 9 9, 22nd May (C. D. Abrams, J. K. Archer, J. M. Warne); mree first-summer 88, three 9 9, 23rd-25th (C. D. Abrams, J. Cantelo, R.J. Fairbank et al), 8, age uncertain, 27th, presumed one of same (M.J. Baldock); 8, age uncertain, 10th June, presumed additional (C. H. Hindle, D. W. Silliphant, D. Tutt et al). Sandwich Bay, 9, 3rd June (P. A. Brown); 8, 10th (I. Hunter, S. D. Stansfield); 9, age uncertain, 15th (S. D. Stans- field); cT, age uncertain, 25th (P. W. J. Findley et al). Northbourne, first-summer 8, 23rd May (D. Arming). St Margaret's Bay, 9, 15thJune (C. S.Johnson). Lancashire Blackpool, first-summer 9, 29th May to 3rd June (M. Jones, K. McFJlan, D. Pit­ man et al) (plates 148 & 149). Leicestershire Rutland Water, 8, 7th-13thJune J. A. Sharpe, C.J. Watts et al). 146 & 147. First-summer male Red-footed Falcon Fako vespertinus, Hengistbury Head, Dorset, June 1992 (P. R. Boardman) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 469 Merseyside Marshside Marsh, first-summer 2, 25th May (Dr B. McCarthy). Norfolk Winterton, 9, 26th April to 3rd May (J. Maslin, 1. N. Smith a al); 2, 28th May (I. N. Smith), presumed same, Horsey, 29th (J. R. Whitelegg, P. G. H. Wolstenholme). Horsey, 2, 14th May (G. Pitt, F. E, Pitts), presumed same, Gorleston, 14th (B. W. Jones); probably same. Brad- well, 15th (P. R. Allard), Happisburgh, 2, 14th May (T. R. Barker, M. Fiszer, P.J. Heath). Blakeney Point, first-summer d\ 14th May (M. S. Gavanagh, A. M. Stoddart); 2, 14th May (M. S. Gavanagh, A. M. Stoddart), presumed same, Gley, 14th (A. P. Benson, 1). A, Bridges). Titchwell, first-summer S, 14th May (C. Ward), probably same, Holme, 14th (G. F. Hibberd). Welney, S, 26th-31st May (J. Arbon, J. B. Kemp et al). Holme, o\ 28th-29th May (W. Boyd, G. F. Hibberd, N. Lawton et al.); 2. 28th Mav (G. F. Hibberd), presumed same, Brancaster. 29th (R. Q. Skeen et al.). Blakeney Point, 2, 29th'May (M.J. & R. Hills). Holkham Meals, 2, 29th May (V. Eve). How Hill and Reedham Water, lirst-summer ct, 15th-20thJune (M. Dane, P.J. Heath et al.). Hickling, two CJ 6, 28th June (J. S. Hampshire, B. W. Jarvis et al.). Northamptonshire Thrapston, first-summer

Fig. 3. First-summer female Red-footed Falcon Palm vesperthus, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 2nd June 1992 (P. J. Donnelly) 148-152. Red-footed Falcons Falco vespertinus: above and below, first-summer female, Blackpool, Lan­ cashire, June 1992 {Steve Toung/Birdwatch); facing page top and centre, female, Bixtcr, Shetland, June 1992 (top, M E. Wall; centre, Dennis Couth); facing page bottom, female, Filey, North Yorkshire, May 1992 (Ian Robinson)

472 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Fig. 4. First-summer male Red-footed Faleon Fako vespertinus, Landguard, Suffolk, 30th May 1992 (B. J. Smalt) B. Rabbitts, A. M. & B. R. Sladc). Shapwick Heath, ,?, 27th May (D.J. Davies). Westhay Heath, two first-summer 6" 6", 26th May to 22nd June (T. A. Box, B. R. Ellis, B. D. Gibbs el a/.), presumed one or other, Chilton Moor, 12th June (D. Smallshire); 9, 4th June (T. A. Box per B. Rabbitts), presumed same, Chilton Moor, 8th (Miss M. Bolas); presumed same, Westhay Moor, 14th J.J. Packer, A. M. Slade per B. Rabbitts). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 473

153. First-summer female Red-footed Falcon Falco vesperlinus, Kirkton, Grampian, June 1992 (S. M. D. Alexander) Suffolk Cavenham Heath, 6, 21st-22nd April (M.J. Austin, P. V. Hayman et at.). Falkenham, 9, 14th May (P. Harvey). Orfordness, 9, 24th-25th May (M. D. Crewe et at.). North Warren, first-summer 9, 25lh-29lh May (W. J. Brame,J. M. Cawston, R. Macklin et at). Landguard, first- summer (J, 30th May (N, Odin, B.J. Small el al.) (fig. 4). Hengrave area, first-summer 9, 7th to at least 9th June (A. Howe et al). Capel St Andrew, first-summer 6, 9th June (R. F. Tomlinson). Bran­ don, 9, 9thJune (A. M. Stevenson,J. L Thomas). Trimley Marshes, 9, 15thJune (R. Beecroft). Sussex, East Pett Level, 9, 5th June (C. H. Dean). Powdermill Reservoir, Seddlescombe, two first-summer 6 6. 9, age uncertain, 9thJune (J. D. & R.J. Prytherch). Wiltshire Colswold Water Park, first-summer

Gyr Falcon Falco rusticolus (many, 101, 5) Durham Sec 1991 Durham below. Grampian Bennachie Hills, white-phase, 28th November (D. J. Gill). Orkney St Ola, Mainland, white-phase, 25th January (S. J. Williams), presumed same, 11th- 12th, 20th-24th April (D. Suddaby et at.), same, Widewall, South Ronaldsay, 31st (H. Mackenzie). Shetland Fetlar, white-phase, 22nd February (F. Coutts, B. Thomason, A. Wilson), presumed same, 11th-12th, 20th-24th April (D, Suddaby et aL), same, Burravoe, Yell, 14th April (S. Smith). Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, first-year white-phase, 26th February to at least 25th March, pre­ sumed same, 25th April (T.J. Dix, Miss C. Lee,J. Vaughan et aL). 1990 Shetland Trondra and Tingwall, 16th-17th April (Brit. Birds 84: 468), was first-winter 6*. 1990 Strathclyde Islay, first-summer 3 white-phase, 17th April (Dr M. A. Ogilvie, M. A. Pea­ cock). 1991 Durham Eggleston, Teesdale, first-winter white-phase or intermediate, 8th December to 19th January 1992 (D. Raw el aL). 1991 Strathclyde Port Charlotte, Islay, juvenile 9 white-phase, taken into care injured, 3rd November, released, found dead Macarthur's Head, 1 Oth, photographed (E. Wilson et at.). IRELAND 1991 Galway The bird recorded in Brit. Birds 85: 521 was present from 31st March to 22nd April, 1991-92 Kerry The bird recorded in Brit. Birds 85: 521 was present from 15th November to 13th March 1992. 1992 Londonderry One, Magilligan Point, 18th to 19th April. This bird was, apparendy, pre­ sent in this area of Lough Foyie since early February. (Circumpolar Arctic) Subsequent events in Kent, yet to be published by us, suggested a degree of prescience in last year's report. The Durham individual was an exciting find, but was on a heavily keepered stretch of grouse moor which is an important area for other breeding raptors. The finders realised that, with a large-scale 'twitch', relations between the gamekeepers and bird­ watchers would deteriorate to such an extent that important survey work could not continue, so reluctantly had to avoid giving the record publicity.

Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilh (many, 8, 1) Sussex, East Icklesham, 9, trapped, 11 th August (G. Barnes, S. J. R. Rumsey, T. Squire et at). (Eurasia, Africa and Australasia; European population winters in Africa) Wifh four in the last four years, this species has become unexpectedly more frequent. The latest two are the first in autumn since at least 1957. A recent paper (Brit Birds 86: 303-311) has covered identification at this time of year. 154. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus kimantopus (with Black-headed Gull Lams ridibundus), Stanpit Marsh, _r)orseJ._May J990 (P. It BoardmmX,

155 & 156. Greater Sand Plover Gharadrms kschenaultii, August 1992: above, East Tilbury, Essex (Jack Lamij; below, Cley, Norfolk (R. C. Wilson) 476 Rare, birds in Great Britain in 1992 Great Bustard Otis tarda (many, 20, 0) 1973 Cleveland Goalhland Moor, then Yorkshire, 18th August 'Brit. Birds 68: XW\ now consid­ ered inadequately documented. 1973 Yorkshire See above. 'Eurasia east from (Germany and Iberia to Western China, and North­ western Africa)

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus (98, 1 75, 7) Cornwall Marazion, 15th-17th May VR. W. Hirst, M.J. Rogers el at... Devon WraJlon, juvenile or lirsl-winter, bth-9th December, second individual, titli. photographed (L. I5. & S. 13. Brace). Norfolk Hir.kling, two, 16th May (A. 1). Boole. Mr & Mrs M. ). Seago el at.). Brevdon and Berney Marsh. 20th-23rd May (P. R. Allard. J. Burton et atX Sussex, East Bewl Water, 19th May (R. Dixon. V, ('.. Banco et atX 1989 Hampshire Farlinglon Marsh. Hlh November ;C'. Cockbuni). 1990 Dorset Stanpit Marsh, 12th May, photographed (D. A. Custard. 1. X R Rabjohns el at. (plate 154), previously published as not accepted (Brit. Birth 85: 553). 1990 Western Isles Howmore. South Cist, two, 5th July i'M. Wills). 1991 Humberside Southtield Reservoir, 7th May, Flamborough Head, I 1th [Brit. Birds 85: 522), same. Blacktofi Sands, 7th, 12th (N. Douglas. A. Grieve el fit.), also in \orlh and South Yorkshire. 1991 Yorkshire, North Filey Dams, 11th May, photographed (1). Bedl'ord. 1. Robinson el at.,, same as Humberside. 1991 Yorkshire, South Wath lugs, 7th May (H. Crooks. J. H. Coddard, J. M. Turlon el UI.K .same as Humberside. (Southern Eurasia, Africa, Australia and the Americas; European popula­ tion winters Africa) An old Channel Islands occurrence, never officially re­ ported, has, however, been portrayed in British Birds (81: plate 202): it was photographed in (Guernsey in April 1988. Another quiet year, after the feasts of 1987 and 1990, was rather surprising when exceptional numbers were in Atlantic France, and a breeding colony was established in the Netherlands. The December record is unusual, with only two previous records in that month.

Collared Pratincole Giareota pratincola (30, 48, 1) Dorset Portland, 31st May (M. Cade. C. Ingham, G. & Mrs S. K. Moyser el alX (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) A typical date and short stay. Where are the long-stayers of yesteryear?

Black-winged Pratincole Giareota nordmanni (5, 20, 1) Cornwall Davidstowe area, first-winter, 2nd-1 lth October :C. & D. K. Lamsdell. P.J. Okes. J. F. Ryan et «/.). (West Asia; winters Africa) An immature that was tentatively reported as Collared Pratincole G. pratincola initially before being reidentiiied as this species.

Killdeer Plover Gharadrius vociferus (9, 39, 0) 1990 Western Isles Fioligarry, Barra, 10th October lA. Stewart). IRKIAND 1991 Cork Adult, Ballycotton, 7th January to 2nd March. (North America; winters USA and Central America) None for this year, but late-autumn and winter records are typical. Rare birds in (heal Britain in 1992 477 Greater Sand Plover Clwradrius kschenaultii (0, 10, 1) Essex Kas) Tilbury, l(!lh-14th August, photographed (S. Muggins, A. J. Kane, G. Rose el al.) (plate lf):)i. Kent Clille, 14th August fl'. 1*. Laws el a/.), presumed same as Ksscx. (Southern Russia east to Mongolia; winters Africa, Southern Asia and Australia) These records are presumably of the same bird as the Glcy, Norfolk, individual, which was not officially reported to the Committee in time for this report, despite its having been photographed (plate 156); a report needs to be submitted, with a request for an assessment to be made, before the Committee is entitled to pass judgment on a record.

American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (3, 157, 6) Dorset Ferrybridge, first-summer. 2()th-22nd May, photographed (M. A. Hallctt, G. Walbridge el at.). Stanpit Marsh, adult, 22nd-24th May (1,. Chappell el al). Northamptonshire Wclford, adult, lf)tli October (R. 1). Coinage, K. K. & N. McMahon el al). Scilly Tresco, first-summer, 2(ith to al least 29th May (). & R. Retlke-Grover, \V. K. Oddie el ill.,, same, Green Island, 7th June (W. H. Wagstalfi. Strathclyde Golonsay, adult, 3rd to at least 5th October (J. & P. M. Clarke, 1), G. jardinej. 1990 Derbyshire Rother Valley Country-park, juvenile, Pith-tSUi October (NT. X. Reeder el al.,. 1991 Bedfordshire t irantiekl, juvenile, intermittently. Kith to at least 25th November (IX J. Odell, ]'. Smith el al.), also in Buckinghamshire. 1991 Buckinghamshire Brnughlon, juvenile, intermittently, I2th-'2f)lh November, pho­ tographed (A. V. Harding, K.J. Reed, C. Ward el al.). same as Bedfordshire. 1991 Northamptonshire I'itslord Reservoir, juvenile, 12th-13th October (K. K. & N. McMa­ hon. S. R. Mavvln. M. H. Rogers el al.l 1991 Scilly St Agnes, juvenile. 2bth September to Kith October Writ. Birds 8f>: r>2f>, plate 41,. same. Si Marv's. 22nd-2f>th September. 14th October fl). J. 1). Hickman, VV. H. WagstatlV/ al.,. 1991 Shetland tair Isle, adult, lath Augusl I'P. \'. Harvey, N. K. Milius el al.,. 1991 Warwickshire Graiidborough, juvenile, 18th October fl'. Marlow, G. M. PuIIan el al.-,. same. Draveoie Water, 22nd-23rd fl". Marlow, S. Seal, T. W. Willcy el al.), near Wilioughbx. 2()th (N. !'. Osborne). IRi:i.AM) 1991 Cork Adult, Douglas Kstuarv, 24th August to 1st September. Juvenile, Clonakilty/lnchy- done\, IKth to 27th October. 1991-92 Tyrone Aitnaghroe. 28th December and 9th Kebruarv 1992 Down Strand Ixtugh and Rillough Harbour, 2nd to 13th August. The Irish Rare Birds Committee intends to review all past Irish records of'Kesser Golden Plovers' l\ ehmii/iea/ /'. julva. (Arctic North America and extreme Northeast Asia; winters South America) A reasonable spread of records, with the usual westerly bias.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis Julva (3, 17, 4) Hampshire Needs Oar Point, adult. 27th-28th June, photographed (D.J. Lfnswoilh el al.). Norfolk Brcydon. adult, 28th May (P. R. Allarei;. Orkney North Ronaldsay, adult, lst-3rd August fl'.J. Donnelly, 1). Jackson, K. A. Wilson el al). Shetland Fair Isle, adult, 2nd-3rdJuly (N.J. Riddilord. Dr R. Riddington el at.,. 1990 Kent Sandwich Bay, adult. 20th-22nd June (K. B. Kllis, J. N. Hollver el al.,. 1991 Northumberland Druridge Pools, adult, 22nd-23rd June, photographed f.M. G, Ander­ son, T. 1. Mills, J. G. Steele el at.) (plate 163). (North and Northeast Asia, and Alaska; winters southern Asia, Australia and Western North America) further typical dates, all in summer, when live were seen in Sweden; but, surely, we are overlooking this species in autumn?

American or Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica/P. fiiba (6, 182, 10'; 1989 Clwyd Oakenholl Marsh, adult, 23rdJuly fC. Bennett, N'.J. Holton,'. 478 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

The totals include those specifically identified. The results of the Committee's comprehensive review will be published in British Birds next year.

Sociable Lapwing Cheltusia gregaria (5, 31, 0) 1991 Berkshire Brimplon Gravel-pits, adult, 10th April (D. A. Henshilwood), (Southeast Russia and West-Central Asia; winters Northeast Africa and Southwest Asia) This individual, at a fairly unlikely locality, must have stunned the observer: what a good find for your local patch.

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (2, 62, 3) Norfolk Hickling, 8th-9th May (J. Hampshire, D. & T. Nicholson). Northumberland Fame Islands, 15th- 18th June, photographed (P. Bush el all Shetland Fair Isle, 13th-15th May (P. V. Harvey, S. G. Votier el al) (plate 157}. (North America; winters Central and South America) Three more spring records. Could these, plus those in Norfolk and Cleveland in 1989, refer to just one or two individuals?

Western Sandpiper Calidris mated (1, 5, 1) IRK.IANI) 1992 Wexford Juvenile, North Slob, 3rd to 6ih September. This is the first. Irish record. (North America; winters southern USA and Central America) None in Britain, but the juvenile in Co. Wexford was one of the highlights of the year.

Red-necked Stint Calidris rufkollis (0, 1, 1) Norfolk Gley, adult, 29thJuly to 3rd August (S.J. .VI. Gantlctt, M. A. Golley, R. G. Millington, V.. T. Myers el al). (Siberia; winters Southeast Asia and Australia) The second record for Britain and Ireland was this summer-plumaged adult at Cley, Norfolk. The first was on 22nd-29th July 1986 at Blacktoft, Humbersidc (Brit. Birds 81: 557; 82: 391-395). The sixth for Sweden was seen on 24th July 1992; could it have been the Gley bird?

White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris jusckollk (24, 318, 3) 1989 Hnmberside Blacktoll Sands, adult, 9th-14th August (A. Grieve el al). 1991 Dyfed Teifi Estuary, adult, 5th August (J. Green). IREIAND 1991 Antrim Uunerue Street Marsh, Belfast, 26th September. 1991 Wexford Adult, Tacumshin, 13th August. 1992 Cork Adult, Youghal, 4th September. 1992 Kerry Adult, Blackrock Strand, 18th to 20th August. 1992 Londonderry Juvenile, Bann Estuary, 31st October. (Northern North America; winters southern South America) Three in Ireland, but no acceptable records for Britain in 1992 of this species, which appears to be getting rarer here. Does this perhaps suggest temporary popula­ tion changes in the New World, changed weather patterns or the demise of individuals 'stranded' on this side of the Atlantic for several years?

Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (5, 158, 1) Norfolk Gantley, adult, 18th-20th August (D.J. Holman.J. R. Lansdell el al). 1989 Kent FJmley, juvenile, 27th September to 8th October (M. Dengate, M.J. Wilkinson et al), 1989 Shetland Haroldswiek, Unst, 6th-7th September (M. G. Pennington), presumed same as Pool of Virkie, 8th-11th (Brit. Birds 83: 462). 157. Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla, Fair Isle, Shetland, May 1992 (Dennis Coutts) 158. Juvenile Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solilaria, Fair Isle, Shetland, September 1992 (Dennis Coutts) 480 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

159. Juvenile Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii, Eastern Bavents, Suffolk, October 1990 (C. R. Mmnton)

1990 Suffolk Easton Bavents, juvenile, 27th October to at least 1st November, photographed (C. R. Naunton) (plate 159). 1991 Devon Northam Burrows, juvenile, 29th September to 3rd October, photographed (M. Preston, M. F. Woolacott et al). (North America and Northeast Siberia; winters South America) Another species that seems to be getting less common in Britain, although there are some records for 1992 which have yet to be submitted.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicolafalcinellus (23, 137, 4) Cleveland Greatham Creek and Seal Sands, 3rd-6th June (P. A. A. Baxter, M. Leakey et al.). Humberside Read's Island, Ferriby, 6th June (G. P. Catley). Norfolk Hickling, 7th June (A.J. Prater). Gley, lst-2nd]uly (C.J. Butterworth et al.). 1991 Norfolk Breydon, 8th March (P. R. Allard). (North Eurasia; winters South Asia and Australia) Some records are still to be submitted, but, nevertheless, 1992 was a better year than 1991 and more in keeping with previous years. This species was, however, obviously not influ­ enced by the weather conditions that brought record numbers of other eastern birds to our shores this spring.

Stilt Sandpiper Micropalama himantopus (1, 25, 0) 1990 Kent Cliffe, adult, 11 th-22nd July (Brit. Birds 85: 526), was trapped 12th and now shown not to have been same as 1990 Suffolk individual (Brit. Birds 84: 471) (P. Larkin). IREIAND 1989 Kerry Adult, Akeragh Lough, 4th to 9th September. 1991 Cork The bird recorded in Brit. Birds 85: 526 was present at Rosscarbery from 19th to 20th September and it was seen at Clonakilty on 21st September. (North America; winters South America) None in Britain or Ireland in 1992, but an interesting change in the statistics for 1990. This species has a pattern of haphazard occurrence here. Rare birds in (heat Britain in 1992 481 Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites submftcollis (33, 413, ••) 1979 Norfolk Hickling, 12th Septemberto 1st October (P. R. Allard, S. E. Linsell. M.J. Seago el al-). (North America; winters southern South America) This species left the Committee's list in 1982.

Great Snipe (kdlinago media (180, 68, I) Shetland Fair Isle, adult. 26th. 31st August (C. Bradshaw, M, Wood et til). (Northeast Europe and Northwest Asia; winters Africa) This bird brought a degree of disbelief to a Canadian birder on the island at the time, when everyone present formed a 'picket line' and swept across the island until the snipe was rcfouncl.

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodmmus scolopaceus (9, 154, 4) Northamptonshire Pilslbrd Reservoir, adult, 10th-12th August, photographed (P. A. Britten, S. R. Mawby el al.). Sussex, West Sidleshani Ferry, adult, 2ist-23rd May (T. J. Edwards et al.) (plate 165). 1990 Dumfries & Galloway (.'aerlaverock, juvenile to first-whiter. 15th October to 16th Jan­ uary 1991 (P. N. Collin. S. I). Cooper et al). 1991 Devon Frcmington Pill, 19th January to 19th April (D. & S. Churchill, K. A. Dobinson el al.), possibly same as Brauuton, at least 22nd October 1990 {Brit. Birds 84: 471). 1991 Dumfries & Galloway See 1990 above, IRfJANl) 1990-91 Down The lirst-winter at Belfast Harbour Estate since 27th October 1990 remained to 14th April 1991. 1992 Cork Juvenile, Inchydoney, 27th September to 23rd October. 1992 Dublin Juvenile, Rogerstown, 17th to 26th October; same individual at Swords Estuary, 31st October to 6th November. (North America and Northeast Siberia; winters USA and Central America.) A slight recovery, following only one new individual in 1991.

Dowitcher Limnodmmus scolopaceus or /,. griseus (31, 255, 4) 1990 Warwickshire Draycote Water, adult, 23rd-26th August (P. J. F'tnden, R. E. Harbird, B. L. Kington el al.). A summer-plumaged adult which never came close enough to be specifi­ cally identified. The totals include those specifically identified.

Upland Sandpiper Bartrarrda longkauda (15, 28, 0) 1973 Yorkshire, North Bolton-ott-Swale, 6th August Oiril. Birds 67: 321), now considered to be inadequately documented.

IRELAND 1988 Mayo Umgh Learn. The Mullet, l()lh October. 1991 Cork The bird recorded in tint. Birds 85: 527 was present from 18th to 24th September. (North America; winters South America) None in 1992.

Marsh Sandpiper 'Iringa stagnatilis (12, 62, 4) Lincolnshire Bardney, IKih-IOlh May i.K. I). Diirose el al.) (plate 164). Norfolk Gunton Park, 20th-22nd May (A. 1'. Benson, I). A. Bridges, K. Hewitt et al). Holkham, 7th-9thjutie (V. Eve etuL). Sussex, East Icklesham. 4th July (1. Hunter, T. Squire). 1990 Grampian Cotehill Eoch, I5th-I6th May (C. Barton, A. G. Clarke el at.). 1990 Norfolk Pentncv, 17th May lA. Bamvell), probably same as Lakcnhealh Mash, 16th (Brit. Birds 84: 4721 160. Adult Ross's Gull Rhodostethia rosea (with Black-headed Gulls L. ridibundus) Hartlepool, Cleveland, October 1992 Q. M. Youngs)

161. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringajkwipes, Marton Mere, Lancashire, May 1992 {Steve Young)

162. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia, Tayside, April-May 1992 (D. A. Maclemari) 163. Adult Pacific Golden Plover Pkwialis fuhia, Druridge Pools, Northumberland, June 1991 (Ian Fisher)

164. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis, Bardney, Lincolnshire, May 1992 (Steve Young/Birdwatch) 165. Adult Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus, Sidlesham Ferry, West Sussex, May 1992 (Bany Mitchell) 484 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 (Southeast Europe, West and East Asia; winters Africa, South Asia and Australia"! With the total now standing at nine, 1990 has become the best-ever year for this species.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa Jhvipes (3~), 182. 10) Grampian Cull's Reservoir, Aberdeen, I8th-I9lh May, photographed (U.J. Bain, I.. '1'. A. Brain, K. U. Shaw' d at.). Loch of Strathbeg, juvenile, loth August J. Dunbar,J. U. Poyncr). Lancashire Marlon Mere, 5th May, photographed (A. Conway, C. Kehoe, A. Pryee el at.) (plate I til). Norfolk Clev, 28th-29lh May (1.. G. R. Lvans, A. M. Sloddarl el at). Scilly St Mary's, juvenile, 26th August to 22nd September (R. Hood, P. M. Griggs el at:,. Western Isles Loch Ordais, Lewis, juvenile, 29th September to 8th Oeiober, photographed (R. 1). YVemyss el at). Wiltshire (!otswold Water Park, 28th April (N. 1'. Adams, M. I.. Buckland:. 1986 Leicestershire Walermead Gravel-pits, lirsl-wintcr, 14th September J. Wright).

IRKI.Wl) 1991 Antrim Duncrue Street Marsh, Belfast. 24-th September to 12th October. 1991 Cork The following corrections should be made to the dates of the birds relerred to in Hnl. Hints 85: 527. Youghal, 7th to at least 20th September; Ring. Clonakilty, 5th October; kinsale Marsh, blh to 27lh October. All three were juveniles. 1992 Cork Kinsale Marsh. 3rd to 4th Mat. Adult. Douglas Kstuary, 19th June inio 19915. 1992 Londonderry Adult, Lough Beg. 22nd April to 10th May (North America; winters southern USA, Central and South America) An excellent year lor the species, with, surprisingly, seven in spring and only three in autumn. The Marlon Mere individual was seen on a bird-race; it had previously- been identified as a Wood Sandpiper 7. gtareola, but the above observers reidentitied it and then continued with the race.

Solitary Sandpiper Innga sotitaria (0, 22, 1 Shetland fait Isle, juvenile. I3lh-l.r>tli September (P. V. Harvey. Ur R. Riddington el at.) (plate 158 (North America; winters Central and South America) The first ever for both fair Isle and Shetland, found at a small puddle by the school. Terek Sandpiper Xenus anereus (3, 3(i, 1, Suffolk Soutliuold, 27lh May, photographed i'C. R, .\aunton . 1990 Hampshire Farlington Marsh, l/5(h-27th May (M. Collins el at.,. (Northeast Europe and Siberia; winters Africa, South Asia and Australia1 This single was the only record for 1992. Once again, the paucity of records in a spring noted for eastern vagrants is interesting. Are waders less susceptible to such weather conditions than other groups of birds? Spotted Sandpiper Actiiis macularia (6, 98, 3' Somerset Burnham-on-Sea, juvenile, 27th September to 7th October (B. J. Hill. 11 Rabbitts el at.); juvenile to adult, 27th October to 1993 IP. A. Amies. B.J. Hill, B. Rabbitts el at). Tayside Loch Ranuoch, !->0th April to 2(ith May, photographed (A. A. Murray. YY. Thompson, T. Vorslerman el at) [plate 1(>2). 1990 Cornwall Lynher Kstuary, 28lh September (K. H. Williams). 1990 Warwickshire Uraycole YY'ater. 29th-30lh Max- (R. Mays, C. 1). foil;. (North America; winters USA south to Uruguay)) The long series of sight­ ings al Burnham-on-Sca, Somerset, has created a diflcrencc ol* opinion as to whether there were one or two individuals involved; the Committee would be interested in information on this subject. The Tayside bird has followed the recent pattern of summering individuals. It seems obvious that an}' wintering Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 485 'Common Sandpiper A. hypoleucos' is worth a careful second look.

Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (1, 244, 3) Devon Eundy, juvenile, 27th August to 1st September (A. M. Jewels et «/.). 1988 Lancashire Eeighlon Moss, 9, 24th-25th May, photographed (P.J. Marsh, K. Seovell et at). 1990 Grampian Findhorn Bay, 9, 16th May (S. Dowden, IX M. Pullan, 1. T. Rowlands). 1991 Cheshire VVoolston Eyes, first-winter, 19tli October to 4th November (D. Bowman, J. R. Dickinson, I). Riley el at.}. 1991 Dumfries & Galloway Caerlaverock, first-winter, 3rd October (P. N. Collin et at.). 1991 Fife Eden Estuary, age uncertain, 23rd-24th September (I). Fothcringham, D. Ogilvie). 1991 Lancashire Martin Mere, first-winter, 30th September to 3rd October (R. Pyefmch et at.). lliw.wn 1991 Antrim First-winter, Duncruc Street Marsh, Belfast, 25th September. 1991 Wexford lady's Island Lake, 28th to 29th September. 1992 Cork First-winter, Ballycotton, 30th August to 5th September. 1992 Down Belfast Harbour Estate, 6th to 7th October. (North America; winters South America) This species tends to be one of the earliest of the vagrant American waders each autumn. How many are juven­ iles is difficult to assess, as many past records do not establish the age. There are, however, at least three other August juveniles, on 27th (Cambridgeshire 1979), 26th (Cleveland 1985) and 19th (Lincolnshire 1985), so the Lundy record is not without precedent.

Laughing Gull Ixaus atricilla (2, 61, 0) Norfolk Walcott and Paston area, lirst-wintcr, since 25th December 1991 {Brit. Birds 85: 528) to 8th January. 1990 Dorset Ferrybridge, adult, 18th March {Brit. Birds 85: 553). now considered acceptable (B. Spencer). 1991 Lothian Musselburgh, adult, 26th May (P. R. Bould, B. A. Hickman, Dr L. E.J. Vick). IRKIANO 1991 Londonderry The two juveniles referred to in Brit. Birds 85: 529 have been found unac­ ceptable by the Irish Rare Birds Committee after a review. 1991 Louth 'Hit- bird referred to in Brtl. Birds 85: 529 was present from 29th November to 7th December. (North America; winters USA to South America) The Norfolk individual continued to delight observers in 1992, but this is the first year since 1987 without an acceptable 'new' bird.

Franklin's Gull Imm pipixcan (0, 24, 3) Cornwall Crowdy Reservoir, adult, 2nd August (D. Clegg, J. M. Randall). Lothian Musselburgh, lirst-summer, 3rd-4th June (T. Gillies, K. Gillon, Dr E. L.J. Vick el al.). Norfolk Titchwell, adult, 21st July (D. & M.~D. Abdullah, I. Turner). 1991 Cleveland Reclamation Pond, adult, 19th-23rd June (Brit. Birds 85: 529), finder was J. B. Dimnett. 1991 Humberside Flamborough Head, second-summer, 11th August (D. Beaumont, P. A. Lassey, M. Newsomc el at.). 1991 Sussex, East Nevvhaven, adult, 4th January (Brit. Birds 85: 553), now considered accept­ able (N.J. Thomas). 1991 Yorkshire, North Bollon-on-Swale and Scorton, adult, 7th November to 6lh December (N. Morgan, R. Taylor). 1991 Yorkshire, South Thrybergh Country Park, adult, 8th December (E. A. Fisher, 1). R. Pickering) (fig. 5), presumed same as North Yorkshire. (North America; winters South America) Another good year for dtis species. 166. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leuwptems, Suffolk, June 1991 (Jack Ijvene)

167. Adult, presumed female, Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalauis, I-ong Nanny, Northumberland, May 1992 (Ian Fisher) 168 & 169. White-winged Black Terns Cklidonias kucopterus (with Black Tern C. niger, above), Kenfig, Mid Glamorgan, May 1992 (above, R. G. Smith; below, Howard Mcholh) 488 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Fig. 5. Adult Franklin's Gull luras pipixcan, South Yorkshire, December 1991 {Ashley Fisher)

There have been 15 new individuals in the last six years, compared with 13 Laughing Gulls L. atricilla in the same period. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 489 Bonaparte's Gull Larus Philadelphia (11, 65, 4) Cornwall Potruan and Fowey, first-winter, 8th March (S. C. Madge). Camel Estuary, adult, 29th March (S. M. Christophers, P. A. Maker). St John's lake, adult, 22nd April (S. C. Madge), prob­ ably returning individual last recorded Plym Estuary area, Devon, 5th May 1991 (Brit. Birds 85: 529). Warwickshire Draycotc Water, first-summer, 24th May (T. Marlow, G, M. Pullan). 1979 Lincolnshire Grimsby Docks, probably first-winter, 17th March (Brit Birds 73: 512), iden­ tification no longer supported by G. P. Catley. 1980 Hampshire Farlinglon Marsh, first-summer, 15th July (Brit. Birds 75: 506), now withdrawn by observers; observation of 23rd July not affected. 1990 Cheshire/Clwyd Inner Marsh Farm, adult, 2nd December (Brit. Birds 84: 474), was not accepted (Bril. Birds 85: 553). 1990 Clwyd See above. 1990 Dorset Portland, first-winter, 2nd March (D. & Mrs M., G. & Mrs S. Walbridge). 1990 Highland Strath Bay, Gairloch, adult, 31st July to 1st August (D. M. Pullan, I. T. Row­ lands d al). 1990 Scilly St Mary's and St Martin's, first-winter to adult, 21st March intermittently to 14th October (W. H. Wagstalfrf at.). 1991 Staffordshire Westport lake, first-winter, 24th December (W.J. Low). IRKLANl) 1992 Antrim Adult, Randalstown, Lough Neagli, 2nd October. (North America; winters USA and Mexico) Sorting out returning individu­ als for this species is quite difficult, especially as most records are grouped in the Southwest. The late acceptances show what a good year 1990 was for this species, with perhaps as many as 11 individuals present.

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (0, 614, -) 1985 Yorkshire, North Filey, second-winter, 25thJuly (P.J. Dunn). (North America; winters USA to Mexico) Reports after 1987 arc not con­ sidered by the Committee.

Herring Gull Ixirus argentatus (0, 13, 0) IRK! AND One showing the characters of the North American race L. a. smithsonianus was recorded as follows: 1991 Antrim First-winter, Belfast Rubbish-tip, 13th March. (North America) The previous 12, all of which were in Ireland, were listed last year {Brit. Birds 85: 529).

Iceland Gull I/irus glaucoides (0, 14, 1) Individuals showing the characters of the North American race L. g. kumlieni were recorded as follows: Highland Inverness, adult, 2nd January (S.J. Aspinall, R. H. Dennis), presumed same as 1991 Grampian. 1991 Grampian Banff Bay and Harbour, adult, at least 5th January (M. G. Pennington, Dr I. M. Phillips, S. A. Reeves el «/.), presumed returning individual last recorded 12th April 1989 (Brit. Birds 83: 466). IKKIANl) 1991 Donegal Two adults, Kiliybegs, 16th February. 1991 Sligo Adult, Sligo Dump, 2nd February. 1992-93 Cork Adult,The lx>ugh and Dunketde. 28th December to 31st January 1993. (Baffin Island and Northwest Ungava Peninsula, Canada; winters North America) With the recent interest in the races of Iceland Gull, including L. g. thayeri, shall we soon sec the submission of records of immaturcs? 490 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Ross's Gull Rftodostethia rosea (2, 52, 1) Cleveland Hartlepool, adult, 11th October, photographed (M. A, Biick, B.J. K. Caswell a al) (plate 160). 1975 Cleveland Seaton Carew, first-winter, 8th August (Brit. Birds 69: 341), now considered in­ adequately documented. IRKIAND 1991 Galway Adult, Nimmo's Pier, 6th to 13th January. (Northeast Siberia and Canada) This delightful gull was found following a prolonged period of good seawatching. Presumably the winds that drove hordes of Pomarine Skuas Stercorariw pomarinus onto the Northeast coasts also brought this bird into the shelter of Hartlepool Bay.

Ivory Gull Pagophila. eburnea (76, 36, 1) Highland Brora, first-summer, 26th March (I. Smitton, A. Vittcry). 1991 Grampian Inverallochy, Fraserburgh, first-winter, taken into care injured, 29th December, photographed (L. T. A. Brain, Mrs M. Buchan et at.). (Arctic) It is now seven years since the last accessible mainland bird, in Cleveland in 1986. These arc two typical records.

Gull-billed Tern Gebchelidon nilotka (52, 187, 3) Orkney North Ronaldsay, 27th May (M. Gray). Yorkshire, North Filey Brigg, two adults, 18th August (P. R. Beaumont, S. Cochrane, P. J. Dunn et al). 1960 Lothian Aberlady, then East Lothian, 11 th September [Brit. Birds 54: 188), now considered inadecjuately documented. 1966 Lothian Dalmeny, then West Lothian, 3rd September (Brit.. Birds 60: 321), now considered inadequately documented. 1968 Lothian Aberlady, then East Lothian, 22nd March (Brit. Bird'; 62: 473), now considered in­ adequately documented. 1969 Central Region Skinflats, then Stirlingshire, 6th September (Brit. Birds 63: 280), now con­ sidered inadequately documented. 1973 Cleveland Grcatham Creek, then Durham, 21st June (Brit. Birds 67: 327), now considered inadequately documented. 1973 Durham See 1973 Cleveland above. 1989 Northumberland Cresswell, 1st July (A. D. McLevy). 1990 Dumfries & Galloway Loch Ryan, first-winter, 12th October (B. W. Litherland), 1991 Norfolk Burnham Norton, 14th July (M. E. S. Rooney). (Almost cosmopolitan, nearest breeding colony in Denmark; European pop­ ulation winters Africa) This is the first Orkney record of Gull-billed Tern and only the second for the Nordiern Isles. Observers would be well advised not to rely on bill shape, but to concentrate more on relative proportions and wing pattern if a record of this notoriously difficult-to-prove species is to be accepted.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (30, 191, 5) Bedfordshire Priory Country Park, 17th April (13. Kramer), presumed same as Bucking­ hamshire and Suffolk. Buckinghamshire Willen lake, 17th April (M.J. Bodley, P. Price, 'I'. & W. R. Tunnicliffe et «/.), presumed same as Bedfordshire and Suffolk. Cheshire Neumann's Flash, Marbury and Great Budworth Mercs, 30th-31st May (A. W. P. Hearn, D.J. W. Taylor, D. M. Walters ad.). Dorset Hengistbury Head, 15th August (D. N. Smith). Humberside Mcssingham, 23rd June J. T. Harriman). Suffolk Lackford, intermittently, 5th- 18th April (A. Tate et al.) (plates 170-172), presumed also in Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 170-172. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia (with Moorhen Gallinula chloropus and Common Teals Anas crecca, below), Lackford, Suffolk, April 1992 (above, David Tipling/Avian; below, R. C. Wilson) 492 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Yorkshire, North Bolton-on-Swale, 27th May, same, Micklctown Ings, West Yorkshire, 27th (X. Morgan el at). Yorkshire, West See above, 1989 Glamorgan, Mid Kenfig, 1 1th April (A. Clarke). 1989 Yorkshire, West Ardsley Reservoir, 23rd May {J. Holliday, J. Martin, D, Woodhead). 1991 Dorset Weymouth and Portland area, adult and juvenile, 13th-15th September (C. E, Richards el at). 1991 Suffolk Covehithe and Benacrc, 5th July (J. M. Cawston, E. W. Patrick). Lackfbrd, 23rd July (]. Dorling). IRK1AN1) 1991 Cork Adult, Rosscarbery, 12th July. (Almost cosmopolitan except South America, everywhere local; European populations winter in Africa) The Lackfbrd, Suffolk, individual wandered over much of southeast England during its stay. An average year and geographical spread for a species which very rarely strays north of Yorkshire.

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bmgaknsis (0, 4, 0) Northumberland Fame Islands, $, 1st May to 21st July, presumed returning 1991 individual (ft??. Birds 85: 530), again paired with Sandwieh 'Fern S. sandvicmsis, one young raised to Hying stage (R. Elliot, G. Taylor, M. Thornton el a/.), presumed same, Long Nanny, 19th May, pho­ tographed (I. Fisher, C Norman) (piate 167), Newbiggin, 22nd July (A. Priest), also in Suffolk. Suffolk Minsmerc, 4th-bth August (P. Chesbrough, M. L. Cornish el at.), presumed same as Northumberland. 1991 Suffolk Plenacre, 25th August (H. Par-sons, S. F. Pearson, M. J. Thompson), presumed same as Northumberland (Brit. Birds 85: 530-531). 1991 Yorkshire, North Filey, 24th August (C. C Thomas el at.), presumed same as Northum­ berland (Bril. Birds 85: 530-531). (North and East Africa, east to Australia; winter quarters uncertain) The ninth year in residence (and she also returned in 1993) for the Fame Islands- bird, once again raising a hybrid young which may yet return to baffle us.

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri (0, 20. 1) Merseyside Formhy Point, adult, 16th August (Dr B. McCarthy). IRKIANI) 1991-92-93 Down The bird recorded in llril. Birds 85: 531 was present to 8th March. What was probably the same individual was present in the same area from 8th November 1992 into 1993. (North America; winters USA and Mexico) The Irish Sea is very much the hot-spot for this species, which regularly appears on both coasts. Although a wintcr-plumagcd individual is easy to identify when it is the only tern on the beach in January, an observer who picks one out of a passage of terns in August is to be congratulated.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (20, 85, 0) 1964 Cleveland Coatham Sands, then North Yorkshire, 30th August (Brit. Birds 58: 363), now considered inadequately documented. 1964 Yorkshire, North See above. (South Eurasia, Africa and Australia; European birds winter in Africa) It is amazing that in the best-ever year for White-winged Black Terns C. kucoptems no Whiskered hitched a lift with a flock of its relatives. This was not mirrored in the rest of Europe, with records the highest ever in Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Latvia, and breeding numbers the highest ever in Poland. This is the third consecutive blank year in Britain and Ireland. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 493 White-winged Black Tern CMidonias kucoptems (50, 540, 42) Berkshire 4'healc, second-summer, 18th May (P. E. Standlcy, B. Uttlcy et al.). Cheshire Neumann's Flash, second-summer, 8th May (P. E. Kenyon). Cumbria (!arr Beds, near Rockcliffe, two, 18th- i 9th May, photographed (A. Gremin et al.). Devon Plymstoek, adult, 26th-28th July, photographed (P. T. Molync.ux et al.). Dorset I xxlmr, adult, 29tli September (U. Lotbcrg). Stanpit Marsh, adult, 22nd August (L. Ghappcll). Essex Hanningfieid Reservoir, three, 18th May (J. Miller, J, T. Smith). Abberton Reservoir, adult or second-summer, 29th July (D. & Mrs A. A. Adams, B. Smith); juvenile, 24th-31st August (A. Kettle, R, V. A. Marshall, J. Norgate el al.). Canvey Island, juvenile, 11 th September J. Saward). Fife File Ness, 31st May (D. Simpson, S. Taylor). Glamorgan, Mid Kenlig, three, 18th May, photographed (C. Hurford, P. Jones, K, Luxford et rt/.)iplates 1G8& 169). Gloucestershire Slimbriclgc, two juveniles, 9th August (L. P. Alder). Grampian Loch ofStrathbeg, 23rd May, photographed (K. Munday et al.). Greater London William Girling Reservoir, juvenile, 13th-14th September (B. Reed et al.). Hampshire Meet Pond, juvenile, 22nd August J. M. Clark, J. Dixon, G. C. Stephenson el at.). Hereford & Worcester Westwood Pool, Droitwich and Wiklen Lagoons, Kidderminster, adult, 11th September (G. & W. V. Peplow, S. M. VVhitehouse et at.). Kent Swale, two, 18th-19th May, photographed (G. G. Bradshaw et al). Dungeness, first-winter, 24th Seplember (1). Okines, D. Walker). Leicestershire Rutland Water, juvenile, 11th-13th September (A. H.J. Harrop, G. Lythall et al.). Lincolnshire Govenham Reservoir, juvenile, 23rd August to 2nd September (G. P. Gatley, D, Jenkins, A. G. Sims el at). Northamptonshire Daventry Reservoir Country Park, 18th May (D. G. Carrington et «/.). Pits- ford Reservoir, three, 19th May, photographed (R. W. Bullock, D.J. Lewis el al.); juvenile, 12th- 13th September (P. A. Britten, S. F. Coles, A. D.J. Cook et al.). F,ari's Barton, juvenile, 14th August (P. A. Britten, K.. Taylor, M. Williams et al.). Nottinghamshire Lound, 16th May, photographed (G. Hobson, R. Marshall et al.); adult, 11th September (G. Barlow, P. Palmer). Somerset Combwich, juvenile, 4th-7th October, presumed same, Durleigh Reservoir, 8th-23rd (G. F. S. Avent, B. Rabbitts el al.). Staffordshire Bclvide Reservoir, adult, 8th August ([. K. Higginson et at). Strathelyde Baron's Haugh, adult, 3rd-7lh August, photographed (S, Clifton, I. English, R. G. Xisbett et al.). Sussex, East 1'ett Ii-vel, adult, 26th August J. A. B. Gale), presumed same, Rye, 28th to 4th September (R. G. Harris et at.). Sussex, West Chichester Harbour, adult, 14th- 15th May (G. B. Collins). 1989 Kent Dungeness, juvenile, 5th-11th September (Brit. Birds 83: 469), observer was D. Walker. 1990 Lancashire Leighton Moss and Dockaere Gravel-pits, adult or second-summer, 15th-16th July [Brit. Birds 85: 531), 15th only. 1991 Devon Slapton Ley, second-summer, lst-2ndjunc (J. F. Babbington, R. W. While). 1991 Essex/Suffolk Gibbonsgate Lake, near Flatford Mill and River Stour, near Cattavvade, two. 2nd-Ith June, photographed (R. Allan, Dr M. F. M. Bamford, D. R. Moore el al.) (fig. 6, page 494; plate 166). 1991 Gwent Llandegfedd Reservoir, 29th-31st May, photographed J. R. Bennett et ali). 1991 Hampshire Blashford Gravel-pit, juvenile, 22nd-25th September (A. I. Prophet et at.).- 1991 Highland Ixx'h oI'Mcy and St John's Ijoch, 7th-12th June [J. Smith). 1991 Suffolk See Essex/Suffolk above. iRI'.I.VND 1991 Wexford The bird referred to in Brit. Birds 85: 531 was an adult and was first seen at t-ady's Island I«ake from 9th to 10th August; it then moved to Tacumshin and was there to at least 17th August, Juvenile, Tacumshin, I7th-24th August, it or another at Lady's Island I.ake on 14th and 29th September and at the Cull on 14th and 28th September, Kilmore Quay on 5th October and Tacumshin on 6th October. It seems certain that two juveniles were involved in this series of sightings. 1992 Clare Adult, Ijough O'Grady, 1st June. 494 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Fig. 6. Two White-winged Black Terns Chlidontm leucopterus, Essex/Suffolk, June 1991 (Richard Allen) (Southeast Europe, Asia and Africa; European birds winter Africa) An astounding year for this species broke both spring and annual records. At least 21 occurred in spring, with 15 arriving on 18th-19th May, including three groups of three; a further 21 or more were seen in autumn. Interestingly, the sole Irish record was the latest of the spring crop, and the only June record. 173 & 174. Juvenile Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius, Aldeburgh, Suffolk, November 1992 (Jack Levene)

175. Below, juvenile European Roller Coracias garrulus, Orfordness, Suffolk, September 1991 (Jack Levene) 496 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Brunnich's Guillemot Una lomvia (2, 25, 1) Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, 26th May {T.J. Dix), same, 6thJune {J. Vaughan). (Circumpolar Arctic) Still a very rare bird, though logic suggests that it should winter in northern waters in some numbers. Where arc they all? Ancient Murrelet Syntliliboramphiis antiqims (0, 1, 0) Devon Lundy, 30th March to 29th April (R. H. C. Bonser, N.J. Hallam, A. M.Jewels a al), presumed returning 1991 individual (Brit, Birds 85: 532). (Pacific seaboard of Alaska and Northeast Siberia; winters North Pacific) There is something peculiarly British about the term 'presumed returning in­ dividual'. If another turns up on Lundy, it will be as unlikely as the second coming of the Dodo Raphus cucullatus.

Mourning Dove Jfenaida macroura (0, 1, 0) 1989 Man, Isle of Calf of Man, trapped, 31st October, photographed, found dead 1st Novem­ ber, now at Manx Museum (A. Sapsford, K. Scott). (North and Central America south to Panama) The first record for the Western Palcarctic. A short-distance migrant within its native range, northern birds move south to winter well within the range. Not included by Robbins (Brit Birds 73: 448-457) among the 38 most-likely candidates for an autumn transatlantic flight, but mentioned as a probable for a successful crossing.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clarnator glandarius (6, 28, 2) Norfolk ("ley, juvenile, 7th July (P. E. Beard), same, Blakency Point, 7th-11th (R. Gilbert, I). McNeil et al). Suffolk Aldeburgh, juvenile moulting to first-winter, 29th October to 12th November (Mr & Mrs J. R. Pilkinglon el at) (plates 173 & 174). 1990 Devon Dawlish Warren, 20th-28th March, dead 29th (K. R. Gram el al.) (Brit Birds 83: plate 298). 1990 Kent Sandwich Bay, dead, 25th March, skin retained by E, Robson (W. E. Fletcher el al). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Africa; winters Africa) Two records in a year is about the average, though 1991 was blank. At least two of the previous March records have been of birds which have subsequently died (or been found dead), presumably from starvation. The July record is only the third in mid summer.

Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops (64, 20, 0) 1986 Orkney Papa Westray, 24th June to 11th July, trapped 1st July, found dead 12th, pho­ tographed, remains retained by K, R. Meek (M. Gray, E, R. Meek el al.). (South Europe, Russia, West Asia and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) This belated acceptance takes die total of records since the formation of the Committee in 1958 to 20 (i.e. an occurrence rate of one every 21 months). Prior to 1958 there were 64 records, so this clearly reflects a downward trend. The third record for Orkney; the previous ones were in June 1965 and November 1970.

Snowy Owl Nyclea samdiaca (many, 102, 2) Shetland l'etlar, two 9 9, from 1991 {Brit. Birds 85: 532), to 29th March, one to 13th May, other, Unst, 8th April to 17ih May (per D. Suddaby), probably one of same, Dales Voe, Main­ land, 27th May (T. R. Gleeves, K. D. Shaw). Western Isles Balranald, North Uist,

1990 Grampian/Highland Ben Macdui area, 9, 17th May to 28th August, 16lh December (R. Smith), presumed returning individual of 21st June to 4th September 1987 (Brit. Birds 83: 470). 1991 Grampian/Highland Ben Macdui area, 9, 15th April (R. Smith), presumed returning 1990 individual. !RI;L\W> 1992 Mayo Achill, 19th February. (Circumpolar Arctic; dispenses south in some winters) The fate of the male in the Western Isles is particularly regrettable as the preponderance of females continues. He had been ringed at Stavanger, Norway (exact date not yet known), so the possibility of further recruitment from the north to our ageing and declining outpost still exists. In addition to the above records, an adult female came aboard a Spanish fishing vessel about 320 km east of Newfoundland and was eventually brought ashore at Aberdeen on 2nd July; she was found to be in good health, was released on 3rd, and was last seen on 4th. A June report from North Uist, Western Isles, remains to be assessed by the Committee.

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica (0. 5, 0) 1991 Fife St Andrews, 8th-10lh November, photographed (Dr R. W. Byrne, D. E. Dickson, Dr J. Graves el aL) (plates 180 & 181). (North America; winters to central South America) The fourth record (fifth individual) for the British Isles since the first in 1982, and the first for Scotland; previous records were from Cornwall and Scilly; afl have been in October or November. A further record from 1983 remains under considera­ tion.

Alpine Swift Apus melba (150, 303, 16) Cornwall Ix>e Bar, 11th April (J. S. Gilbert, P. Kemp). Devon Bidefbrd, 25th April (M. C. Dennis, A. S. Hall). Dorset Branksomc Chine, 26th April (]. H. Blackburn). Kent Foreness, 22nd-23rd April (S. D. W. Mount el aL); second individual, 23rd ft'. M. Black­ burn, M. McCarthy, I), MeK.ee el at.); presumed one of same, Minnis Bay, 23rd (T. N. Hodge et al.). Dungeness, 2nd May (P. G, Akers); probably same, Folkestone, 2nd-3rd (I. A. Roberts, J. P. Siddle a al.\ Dover, 3rd (per D. W. Taylor), Minnis Bay and Rcculver, 4th {'!'. N. Hodge, C. Osborne). Suffolk Dunwich, 23rd May (B.J. Small) (fig. 7). Sussex, East Beaehy Head, 18th August (D. P. Dunk). Wight, Isle of Ventnor, 23rd April (A. Butler). 1988 Sussex, East Beaehy Head, 27th March (P. M. Leonard, A, Tagg). 1990 Essex Shoebttryness, 22nd March (P. Collins). 1990 Hampshire Titchfiekl, in office building, 26th March, photographed (D. S. F'oot, C. Sav­ age el at.). 1990 Kent St Margaret's, 4th October (I. P. Hodgson). 1991 Cornwall Uimorna, 6th July (B. D. Blowers). 1991 Suffolk Landguard, 11th July (A. Bimpson d aL). IRKIAND 1992 Dublin Dun I-aoghaire, 19th to 20th March. Five, Killiney, 20th March. Howth Head, 27th May. (South Eurasia, Northwest and East Africa; winters Africa) There were also belated records from the Channel Islands, with singles at St Clement, Jersey, on 1st October 1987 and another onjerscy on 27th March 1990. Continued on page 500 176. Pechora Pipit Anihus gustavi, Fair Isle, Shetland, October 1992 (Ian Fisher) 177. Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni, Fair Isle, Shetland, October 1992 (Dennis Coutts) 178. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina, Mizen Head, Co. Cork, October 1992 [Anthony McGeehan) 179. First-winter Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, St Mary's, Scilly, September 1992 [David Rimes) 500 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

Fig. 7. Alpine Swift Apus melba, Dunwich, Suffolk, May 1992 (B. J. Smalt) The British total of nine is a good average and a great improvement on last year. The complete absence of any in autumn is noteworthy. Details of a long-staying individual in May and early June in Borders have not yet been received.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster (154, 327, -) 1989 Kent Forcncss, 24th May (S. D. VV. Mount). (South Europe, Southwest Asia and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) A belated acceptance is of one in the Channel Islands, at L'Etacq, Jersey, on 22nd July 1989. This species was dropped from the list of species considered by the Committee at the end of 1990.

European Roller Coracias garrulus (135, 85, 2) Cumbria North Walney, 27thJune (T.Jones, C. Raven et at). Strathclyde Gott Bay, Tiree, 20th May J. E. R. Allen, Dr D. Lewis). 1991 Suffolk Orfordness, juvenile, 8th- 12th September, photographed (D. Crawshaw, M. D. Crewe et al.) (plate 175). (South and East Europe, West Asia and Northwest Africa; winters Africa) Two records is about the average number per year of this very colourful rarity, and they arc on fairly typical dates. The Strathclyde bird is the twenti­ eth in Scotland since 1958. Details of one in Kent in June have not yet been received for consideration.

Eastern Phoebe Sayomis phoebe (0, 1, 0) 1987 Devon Lundy, 24th-25th April (C. McShane, K.J. Mitchell, A.J. Wood). (North America, winters south to Mexico) The first record for the Western Palearctic. A relatively short-distance migrant within its native range and not greatly anticipated on this side of the Atlantic, akhough it has made it to the Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 501 Bahamas in the past. It was not included among Chandler S. Robbins's 38 most-likely candidates for an autumn transatlantic flight (Brit. Birds 73: 448- 457). A record from south Devon two days prior to this one remains under consideration.

180 & 181. Chimney Swift Chaetum pelagica, St Andrews, Fife, November 1991 (above, D. E. Dickson; below, Mary Macintyre) see page 497 502 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Short-toed Lark Cakmdrella brachydactyla (40, 353, 19) Cornwall Ramc Head, 30th September to 2nd October (S. Bird, R. Eynon, V. R. Tucker el al). Humberside Spurn, trapped, 12th January, photographed (J. Cudworth, G, E. Dobbs et al). Norfolk Blakeney Point, 4th May (S. C. Joyncr, A, M. Stoddart). Scilly St Mary's, 21st to at least 25th April (G. C. Stephenson a al); 20th-24th September (P. ft. Hyde a a/.); 3rd-12th October (D. E, Balmcr, I. Ijikin, M. A. Newell et al) (plate 113). Bryher, 20th May (Miss C. E. Lankester, K. Pellow). Shetland Baltasound, Unst, 1st May (L. Leask, M.J. Mcl-eod, M. G. Pennington el al.). Fair Isle, 18lh-19th May (P. V. Harvey et al). Sumburgh, 24th-25th May (R. A. Matthews, D. Sud- daby et al). Northdale, Unst, 23rd-30th September (T. Hutchinson, M, Jones el al.). Scatness, 24th-25th September (G. J. Hinchon el al), same, Sumburgh Head, 26th-28th (per D. Suddaby). Virkie, two, 27th September, presumed one of same, 29th (J. N. Dymond el al). Fair Isle, 2nd October (N. J. Riddiford). Whalsay, 7th October (K. Osborn). Fetlar, 3rd-16th October (B. Fhomason). Suffolk Landguard, 23rd-25th September (M. L. Cornish, N. Odin el al). Yorkshire, North Filey, 16th May J. W. Cooper, W. Hill, J. Hilcox et al). 1991 Dorset Hengistbury Head, 29th October (G. Armstrong et al). 1991 Hertfordshire Tyttenhanger Gravel-pit, 7th-10th May (G.J. White et al). 1991 Humberside Flamborough Head, 14th-20th September (J, C. Lamplough, P. A. Lassey, M. Newsomc el al). 1991 Orkney North Ronaldsay, 7th-20th October, two, 10th-15th, three, 12th (Bril. Birds 85: 534) as stated, but differing individual 8th, giving total of four. 1991 Sussex, West East Head, Chichester Harbour, 26th June to 4th July (S. J. Aspinall, G. Cockburn, B. F. Forbes el al). (South Eurasia; winters North Africa) Another good showing with most in the expected peak times of May and September-October. Midsummer and midwinter records are exceptional, so the West Sussex and Humberside records are particularly notable; the Humberside record was of a bird of one of the grey eastern (but indeterminate in the field) races, and is also only the second in January. Records of this species will cease to be considered by the Committee from the end of December 1993.

Red-rumped Swallow Hinmdo dawrica (7, 224, 11) Bedfordshire South Mills, 19th May (P. Oldfield). ' Berkshire Theale, 2nd May (H. Netley). Dorset Portland, 29th April (M. Cade, G. L. Webber, I. Weston). Essex Hainault Forest, 23rd May (M. K. Dennis). Hereford & Worcester Upton Warren, lst-2nd May, photographed (S. M. Whitehouse el al). Kent Folkestone, 23rd May (I. A. Roberts). Norfolk Sheringham, 7th October (K. B. Shepherd, S. C. Votier). Suffolk Southwold, 29th May (T. North). Sussex, West Pagham Harbour, 3rd May (S. Phipps). Wight, Isle of Havenstreet, 4th May J. C. Gloyn, D.J. & M. Hunnybun, G. & M. Sparshott et al). Yorkshire, North Filey, 31st May (L. Gillard). 1988 Avon New Passage, 22nd April (N. T. Lacy). 1989 Humberside Flamborough Head, 15th April (D. G. Hobson). 1990 Avon Chew Valley Lake, 20th October (R. Palmer et al). 1991 Cornwall Marazion, 14th April (E.J. Cook, R.J. Lee). 1991 Dorset Portland, 17th June (G. Walbridge). 1991 Kent Stodmarsh area, 14th-18th June (D. G." Gilbert et al). 1991 Scilly Bryher, 24th April (R. G. W. Heselden) (fig. 8). 1991 Suffolk Thorpeness, 15th May J. Briant, R. Glover). (South and East Eurasia and Africa; winters Africa) A relatively poor show­ ing compared with the high numbers of the 1987-90 period, and all except one were in spring. The late acceptance of the five 1991 records moves the total for that year on to seven. Fig. 8. Red-rumpcd Swallow Hirundo daurka, Bryher, Scilly, April 1991 (R. G. W. Heselden)

Fig. 9. Great Grey Shrike Ijmius excubilor of southern/eastern Siberian race pallidiroslris, Cornwall, April 1992 (Andrew Birch) see page 524 504 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris (120, 500, --) 1968 Cleveland 1'eesmouth, then Co. Durham, three, 27th October (Brit. Birds 62: 183), now considered inadequately documented. 1968 Durham Sec above. (Europe, South Asia and Northwest Africa) This species was removed from the list of species considered by the Committee at the end of 1982.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni (1, 130, 16) Dorset Portland, f)th October (G. Walbridge). Greater London Woodlbrd Green, 23rd-26th October (K. Murray et al.). Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, 12th October (G. P. Catley). Norfolk Great Yarmouth, 13th October (P. C. Noakes et a!.). Holkham Meals, 5th-10th October >V. live, M. K. S. Rooney, R. Q. Skeen el id): another, 15th (J. B. Kemp). Orkney North RonaMsay, 27th September (M. Gray). Shetland Pair Isle, at least five: Ist-I5th October, photographed [J. R. Higgott, G.J. Orsman el nl.) (plate 177); 3rd to at least 5th October (D. Suddaby et «/.); 4th-7th October (P. V. Harvey et «/.): another two, possibly three, 4th (R. Minshull, N.J. & Mrs E. A. Riddiford). Fetlar, two, 3rd- 4th October (A. Aitken. B. l'homason). Lerwick, 4th October (K. Hudson, K. Osborn). 1988 Shetland Strand, 29th October (D. R. Bird, P. V. Haney). 1990 Shetland Vkllin, 3rd-Sth October [Brit. Birds 84: 481), to 8th. Kcrgord, two, 3rd-4th Octo­ ber (Brit. Birds 84: 481), two to 5th, one to 7th (per D. Suddaby). IRKLVNI) 1992 Cork Dursey Island, 5th October. (Northeast Russia to Central and East Asia; winters Southern Asia) Another below-average showing in contrast to the numbers of records in the late 1980s and in 1990 in particular, for which, with the late acceptances given here, the total now moves to 48, All records here (several remain to be reported) con­ formed to the almost predictable latc-Septcmber to November period of occurrence. Given a favourable following wind from the cast, this species is almost guaranteeablc somewhere along die East Coast. Long gone arc the days when this and the following species were mentioned in the same hushed tones of reverence and wonder.

Pechora Pipit Anthus gustavi.(13, 28, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, trapped, 15th October, photographed (P. V. Harvey, C.J. Orsman, A. Prior el al.) (plate 176). (Northeast Russia, Central and East Asia; winters Southeast Asia) The date is towards the end of the expected period of occurrence at Britain's premier Pechora slopping-off point; in recent years, there has been a significant trend of occurrences away from Fair Isle, but this must be seen as a return to die earlier pattern of records. Perhaps, one day, radio-tracking will reveal some of their secrets, particularly where they go to after Fair Isle or where else they lurk in autumn, safe in secret hiding places.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus (30, 2J9, 42) Cleveland Cowpen Marsh, 24th May (G. Iceton it al). Dorset Lodmoor, lst-2nd October (D.J. Chown et al.). Portland, 4th October (G. Walbridge). Dyfed Skokholm, 17th September (M. Belts); 27th (M( & P. Belts, J. E. &J. VV. Donovan).' Glamorgan, Mid Kentig, 3rd May (C. Baker, S.J. Moon). Greater London Barn Elms Reservoirs, 28th September (R. B. Hastings et al.). Humberside Spurn, 22nd-2,5th May (D. P. Boyle et al.); 23rcl-30th (D. P. Bovle, B. R. Spence el al.). • ' ' Kent Forencss, 17th May (K. D. Ixird, S. D. VV, Mount). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 505

Lincolnshire Gibraltar Point, in song, 26th-28th May (P. M. Troake, R. K. Watson, K. M. Wilson). Merseyside Red Rocks, 15th May (M. (J. & Dr.J. K. Turner, E. Williams). Scaforth, in song, 25th May, photographed {J. Dempsey, C. Kehoe, S. White el at). Norfolk Happisburgh, 14th May; 14th-18th; 15th-17th (G. M. Gresswell, M. Rater A aL). Glcy, 14th-15th May (A. P. Benson, S.J, M. Gaiitlett el all Blakeney Point, 14th May (M. S. Ca- vanagh, A. M. Stoddart); 26th-28th, two, 27th-28th (G.'M. Gresswell, S. C.Joyner, A. M. Stod- dart el at). Wclncy, 21st May (J. B. Kemp). Breydon, 23rd May (P. R. Allard), Weybourne, 26th May f 1". Wright). Sheringham, 3rd October (K. B. Shepherd). Orkney North Ronaldsay. 31st May to 1st June (K. A. Wilson el- nl); 30th September (A. Ban- well, M. Gray, F. Maroevic ct aL). Stronsay, 2nd October (]. W. N. Andrews. J. F. Holloway). Scilly St Mary's, 4th October (A. Blagden, G. & D. K. Lamsdell, R. Overton el at.), 'fresco, 13th-16th October (S.J. Broyd el at.) (plate 112). Shetland Fair Isle, ten: at least 17th May (S. C. Volier el aL); 19th-23rd, trapped 21st (P. V. Harvey, S. G. Votier el at.); 24th-25th (S. C. Votier el at.); 27th (K. Bowcy, P. V. Harvey); 27th- 28th (S. C. Volier el at); 27th-28th (K. Bowcy, P. V. Harvey, S. C. Votier a aL); 29tii (S. C. Votier); 30th-3lst (I. Brown, T. Swectland el at); presumed another, 31st (R. Taylor); 30th September to 1st October (N. C. Green, D. Rhymes el at). Fetlar, in song, 4th-25th June, pho­ tographed (J. & Mrs 1. Miller, A. Stanbury, B. Thomason el at). GatOrth, 21st September (C. Byers, I3. V. Hayman el at). Suffolk Shingle Street, 1 lth October (M. D. Crewe). 1988 Devon Ernescttle, 14th October (E. Griffiths';. 1990 Cornwall Marazion, 14th May (M. P. Scmmcns). 1990 Greater Manchester ladybrook Valley, Gheadle Hulmc, 14th October ((.!. lightfoot). 1991 Cambridgeshire N'orlhcy Km, Nene Washes, 26th May (M. & S. Davies, R. Davis, Mrs H.J. Welch el at). 1991 Dyfed Skomcr, 6th-8th September (Miss K. E. Lawrence,J. Parke, S.J. & Mrs A. C. Sut- clillc el aL). 1991 Scilly St Man's, at least 1 lth-12th December (D.J. IX Hickman, W. H. Wagstafl). 1991 Tyne & Wear Ryhopc, 20th May (S. J. Ling el at.). (Arctic Eurasia; winters India and Africa) Following on from die good num­ bers in 1991, which, with the four late acceptances given here, achieved a total of 16, a record high, the year 1992 can be considered outstanding, with over 40 records. Almost three-quarters of this total occurred in May and just over one quarter were in September and October. Inland records are excep­ tional, but the Greater London record is the sixth, and the second at that locality. The comment in last year's report regarding those who have heard this species sing in Britain may now be redundant; this year's deluge of records has enabled several observers in Merseyside and Shetland to be added to the list. Several records, particularly in spring, remain to be reported and the Committee would welcome details of any record not included above.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilk citreola (2, 56, 3) Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, 13th-16th September, photographed (N. Benson, D. K. T. Rimes, ,V1. Rose tf ni)'(plate 179). Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, 5th September (P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington, S. G. Votier). Seafiekl, Lerwick, lirst-winler, 30th September (P. V. Hayman, K. Hudson, K. Osborn). (Northeast and East Russia, West Siberia, West and Central Asia; win­ ters Southern and Southeast Asia) Three records, at very traditional sites, are the average for this scarce wagtail. Two records in Scilly (in 1978 and 1979) and one in the Western Isles in September 1992 remain under consideration. 182. First-winter Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscums, Fair Isle, Shetland, October 1992 (Dennis Coutls) 183. First-winter Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locmlella certhiola, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, September 1992 (R. Chittenden) (see also plate 185) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 507 Thrush Nightingale hiscinia tuscima (2, 92, 5) Norfolk Gramborough Hill, Salthouse, 26th September (R. G. Abel, M.J. Saunt el al). Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-summer, trapped, 25th May, photographed (M. Gray, A. Mitchell, D. Patterson). Deemcss, first-winter, trapped, 1st September (C.J. Corse et al). Shetland Fair Isle, first-summer, trapped, 5th June (P. V. Harvey, Dr R. Riddington, R. Taylor et al,); (irst-wimer, I8th-20th September, trapped 18th (J. Courts, Dr R. Riddington et al.) (plate 192). (Scandinavia, East Europe and West Asia; winters Africa) A good showing, in contrast to the previous two years, including the third for Orkney. The Norfolk bird was very obliging, sitting in a small bush for most of its stay and frequently offering good views. Details of one at Holkham, Norfolk, have yet to be reported to the Committee.

Common Stonechat Saxicola torquata (1, 173, 15) Individuals showing the characters of one or other of the eastern races S. t. maura or skjnegeri were recorded as follows: Humberside Dane's Dyke, Flamborough, 9 or immature, 19th October (D. Bywater). Spurn, first-winter 2, trapped, 8th October, photographed J. Cudworth et al); 2 or immature, 8th- 22nd, trapped 8th (T. Collins, J. Cudworth, P. Hazard et al.). Orkney Stronsay, 9 or immature, lst-4th October, photographed (J. W, N. Andrews, J. F. Hol- loway, M.Johnson); CJ, 3rd-4th October, photographed (J. W. N. Andrews, J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holioway). Scilly St Martin's, 9 or immature, 7th October (C. & D. K. Lamsdell). Shetland Sumburgh,

Fig. 10. Male Stonechat Saxkola Imquata of eastern race mattra/slefnegeri, Filey, North Yorkshire, October 1992 {P. J. Dunn)

recent years mean that there were 21 in 1990, 24 in 1991 (equalling the record year of 1987) and ten in 1992, following a lean spell of three in 1989 and four in 1988. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 509 Several other records remain under consideration. The Committee receives a considerable number of reports of vagrant races of this species that do not state clearly whether the pale rump is streaked or unstreaked, which has added to delays in some record assessments.

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (1, 7, 1) 1991 Scilly Gugh, 15th-26th October (Brit. Birds 85: 537), correct observers were D. A. Bridges, C. &J. R. Umsdetl. IRKI-ANI) 1992 Cork Mizen Head, 10th to 17th October (plate 178). (South and Central Eurasia from Russia and Turkey eastwards; winters Northeast Africa and from Arabia eastwards to central India) The Co. Cork record is the most westerly ever and the first for Ireland. One British report remains under consideration by the Committee.

Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pksdvmka (3, 24, 1) Fife Hie Ness, 9, 18th-21st September (Dr R. W. Byrne, A-M. Stout et al). (Southeast Europe and South-central Asia; winters East Africa) Compared with the five records in 1991, this is a poor showing and a return to the soli­ tary occurrences of previous years; has now occurred in every year since 1985.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispamca (15, 33, 4) Buckinghamshire Ghearslcv,

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti (11,31,0) 1988 Cornwall Near Sennen Gove, 5, 5th November {C. C. Barnard, L. P. Williams). (North Africa, Northwest Arabia, cast to Mongolia; winters Sahara, Arabia and Pakistan) This takes the number of records for 1988 to three, all typically in the late autumn. Also a first-winter in the Channel Islands, at L'ree Bay, Guernsey, on 24th November 1991.

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius (0, 2, 0) 1985 Strathclyde Skerryvore Lighthouse, first-summer 6, 4th-7th June, dead 8th (Brit. Birds 79: 585). 1987 Gwynedd Moel-y-Gest, o\ 4th.June (Brit. Birds 81: 594). 184. First-winter female Siberian Thrush ^pothera sibirica, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, October 1992 (7. B. Higptt,

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185. First-winter Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locuslella certhiola, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, September 1992 Q. B. Higptt) (see also plate 183) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 511 (Southern Europe, east to the Ukraine and Southwest Asia, also Northwest Africa; resident, or partial migrant to North Africa) These two records, previ­ ously published in Category D, arc now admitted to the British and Irish List (Brit. Birds 86: 229) and enter the statistical record. The other two records, in Orkney in 1966 and East Sussex in 1977, remain in Category D. A welcome addition to the British and Irish list.

White's Thrush ^pothera dauma (29, 16, 0) 1991 Highland Brora, 27lh-29th September, possibly since 23rd (A. Vittery el at.). (Northern and Central Siberia; winters Southern India and Southeast Asia) Of the six records since 1980, all except one (in 1984) have been within ten days of this record. Three days, possibly longer, must be considered a long time for a White's Thrush to stay around in Britain; of the 16 individuals since 1957, only three have stayed for more than one day.

Siberian Thrush £oothera sibirica (1, 8, 1) Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-winter 5, tst-8tb October, trapped 1st, photographed i'A. H. Duncan, Dr K. V. Woodbridge rf «/.) (plate 1 HI). (Central Siberia east to Japan; winters India, Southeast Asia, Indonesia) The fifth for Britain and Ireland and the first since an immature female on Gape Clear Island, Go. Cork, in October 1986. All previous records have been for but a single day, so this obliging and lingering individual was admired by sev­ eral boatloads of pilgrims.

Grey-cheeked Thrush Cathams minimus (1, 40, 0) 1991 Scilly St Agnes. 22ncl-2(ith September; 16th- 17th October. St Mary's. !7th-20lh October \BriL Birds 85: 538). All were first-winters. (North America and Eastern Siberia; winters Eastern USA, West Indies and Central America) Autumn 1992 was poor for transatlantic vagrants, hence the lack of records of this species or Swainson's Thrush C. ustulatus, the first year since 1981 that neither has appeared.

Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus ob• scums (0, 13, 1) Shetland Fair Isle, lirst-winter, llh October (N. G. Green, D. Rhymes, Dr R. Riddington el at.) (plate IK2). (Siberia and Eastern Asia to Japan; winters China and Indonesia) It seems that at least one Eyebrowed now usually accompanies the first flocks of Redwings T. iliacus into the British Isles. The Scilly connection of the two pre­ vious autumns seems to have come to a (temporary?) halt, but there was a gap in 1988 and 1989 when none appeared. Of the 14 records since 1958, six have been in Scilly, and all but four have been in October.

Dark-throated Thrush Tardus rujkollis (3, 19, 2) Orkney Finstown, 9, 23rd October (\V. K. Barclay, K. Fairclough el a!.). Scilly St Mare's, first-winter 5, 22nd October (P. Bristow. D. R. W. Gilmore.J. P. Hum el at.). (Central Asia; winters Northern India and China) The second record for each locality, the Scilly individual being the highlight of an extended quiet spell at a time of year which usually produces an abundance of rarities. Both, as usual, were of the black-throated race atroguhris. One can only speculate on how many go undetected on the East Coast or even inland. 512 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (3, 10, 1) Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-winter, 23rd-25th September, trapped 23rd, photographed (A. L. Duncan, M. Gray, 1. Jones el al.) (plates 183 & 185). [Western Siberia and Central Asia to Japan; winters India and Southeast Asia) The first in Britain since three on Fair Isle, Shetland, in October 1988, but there lias been one since then in Ireland, on Cape Clear Island, Co. Cork, in October 1990. All but four of the 14 records have been in Shetland, mostly in the second half of September or the first half of October.

Lanceolated Warbler lixustella lanceolata (9, 43, 2) Shetland Scalness, 17th September (G. J. Hinchon, N. & T. J. Lawrence el ai). Fair Isle, 27th September [J. P. Martin, M D. & L. Sutton el a!.}. (East Eurasia from Central Russia to Nordi Japan; winters Philippines and Southeast Asia) The one at Scatncss is only the fifth record in Shedand away from Fair Isle, where 41 of the 54 British records have occurred; the current unbroken run of appearances on Fair Isle now stretches back to 1984. All except four (one in May and three in November) have occurred within the period 8th September to 18th October. The comment under Pechora Pipit Antlms gustavi, another of Fair Isle's great specialities, applies equally well, if not more so, here.

River Warbler hmistella flwiatilis (0, 12, 1) Cambridgeshire Wickcn Ken, in song, 10th-11th June (G. & T.J. Bennett, G. Hcwson, 1). Palmer). (Central and East Europe and West-central Asia; winters Southeast Africa) Numerically this is the rarest locustella on the British List, but has probably been seen by more observers than all individuals of the previous two put to­ gether. The first since 1989. There have been recent increases in the number of records in the Netherlands and an expansion of range in Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden (Brit. Birds 86: 44).

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola (2, 15, 2) Shetland Fair Isle, 9th- i 0th June (P. V. Harvey, R. Taylor, S. G. Votier el al). Sussex, East lcklesham, trapped, 13th, 18th October (T. Squire el al.). (South Russia and Asia; winters Southwest Asia and India) The first records since 1988 and the third in June (and fourth in spring); the Sussex bird is a notable first for the South Coast. Details of one at Flamborough, Humbcrsidc, have not yet been submitted.

Myth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorwn (9, 11, 0) 1991 Fife Isle of May, dead, 3()(h September J. Galladine, G. Redfem el al). 1991 Lincolnshire Theddlcthotpe Duties, trapped, 3rd September, released 4th. photographed (A. Ashley, A. D. Lowe, ML Thompson el al). 1991 Northumberland l,ow Hattxley, fu~st-winter, trapped 31st August, 1st September, pho­ tographed (M. Davison, I. Fisher, N. Foggo el al.) (plate 188). (Eurasia eastwards from Finland; winters India and Sri Lanka) Three within one 31-day period, all examined in the hand. Identification and assessment made for hard work all around, especially to exclude the possibility of hybrids with Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus or Marsh Warbler A. pahstris. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 513 Great Reed Warbler Acroceplmlus arundinaceus (23, 144, 4) Avon Chew Valley l«ikc, in song, 18th May (J, Aldridge, R M- Ourber el at.,. Kent Si Mary's Marshes, 21st. May {A. Jones). Shetland Fair Isle, 9ihjunc (Dr R. Riddington, R. Taylor, S. 0. Voticr et al). Suffolk Aldeburgh, in song, 31st May (1). &J. Newton el all 1990 Lincolnshire YVaithe, in song, 19th May (K. Atkin, H. Bunn). 1991 Lancashire Leighton Moss, in song, 4th-13th June (J. &J, Wilson el al.}. (Europe, Southwest and East Asia and North Africa; winters Africa) A very typical spread of records, with May and June outstripping all other months for this frequently garrulous, gurgling, gravel-voiced songster.

Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata fl, 31, 5) Cleveland Hartlepool Headland, 7th-8th June (I. Bousieacl, T. G. I'Vaneis el al.). Cumbria South YValney. in song, trapped. 17th June, photographed (T. Dean, 1. R. Kinlcy, C. Raven el al.). Fife Isle of May, 2nd September (J. Caliad'me, K. Mann, G. Wemham). Humberside Spurn, in song, 10th-22nd June, trapped 11th (1). P. Boyle, J. "V. Harriman, 15. R. S|x-n«- el al) Writ. Birds 85: plate 294; 8(i: plate 193), Shetland Fair Isle, first-winter, I4ih-l(kli September, trapped 16th (P. Y. Harvey, Dr R. Rid- dmglon et al.). (Northwest Russia, east to Mongolia and south to Iran: winters India) A record year (one ahead of the (bur records in each of 1981 and 1987) and the first records in spring. 'There was a small-scale arrival in early June, though it is conceivable that only two individuals were involved al the time; the Cumbria record is particularly unusual.

Marmora's Warbler Syhna sarda (0, 1,1' Humberside Spurn, in song. 8lh-9thjune, trapped 8th (1). P. Boyle, G. Grainger, 15. R. Spenee etat.,. (Southeast Spain and the West Mediterranean islands; winters in Northwest Africa) The lirsl was a long-staying individual on moorland in South Yorkshire from mid May to late July 1982 and was, at die time, considered likely lo be a very singular event This individual (and a third in 1993) shows that even the unexpected can occur or recur. Although found on the morning following the arrival of migrants of Scandinavian origin, it is possible that the bird had been in Britain (or elsewhere in northwest Europe) for up to two weeks belbre being discovered, perhaps arriving at the same time as other migrants from the Mediterranean on 24th May.

Subalpine Warbler Syhria cantillans (12, 252, 23'! Cornwall Near Scimcii, 6. 15th May (.VI. P. Semmens, S. Worley). Treen, 9 or first-summer. 27th-:50th September I'D. S. Flurnm,J. I1'. Ryan el al.,. Devon Lttndv. 6. tith May (R. Bower, H.J. Radlcy el all. Dyfed Skomer,

6\ 28th (P. V. Harvey et al.); 6, 2nd June (P. S. Castle, T. Sweetland, S. C. Votier et al.); 6, 3rd June (R. Tavior); 6\ 12thjune (S. G. Votier et al). Breiwick, Eshaness, CJ, lstjunc (W. Fox). Western Isles North Lochynort, South Uisl, S, 21st May (J. Metcalf). Wight, Isle of Bembridge, first-summer 6, 23rd-27th April (]. G. Gloyn, D.J. & M. Hunnybun, M.J. Sparshott et al.). 1991 Scilly St Agnes, 2, 9th May (A. J. Mcrritt et al.). 1RKIANI) 1992 Cork Male, Gape Glear Island, 20th April. 1992 Kerry Female, Bolus Head, 12th June. 1992 Wexford Female/firsi-year male, trapped, Great Saltee, 16th May. (South Europe, West Turkey, Northwest Africa; winters Northern and West Africa) A good year, with over 20 records in spring and a complete contrast to the two in 1991 and 11 in 1990; the best year remains 1988, with 32 records. The abundance of records in Shedand in years of high occurrence is again reflected here.

Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (1, 24, 7) Devon Prawle Point, 9, trapped, 7th May, photographed (N. L. Trigg et al.). Greater London Surbilon, 9, trapped, 2nd June, photographed (D. J. Montier, Mrs M. Waller). Merseyside Formby Point, first-summer 6\ 28th-31st May, trapped 28th, photographed J. D. Fletcher, D. Ogle et ai) (plate 189). Norfolk Weybourne, 9, trapped 14th May, released 15th (M. D. & M.J. Preston et al). Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-summer 9, 25th-27th May, trapped 25th, photographed (P.J. Donnelly, A. K. Duncan et ai). Stronsay, 6, 29th-31st October, photographed J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway, Mr & Mrs N. Kent). Shetland Cunningsburgh, 8, 24th July to 11th November (J. Nicolson, Mr & Mrs L. Smith, D. Suddaby) (plate 186). (South Europe, Middle East and North Africa) The best year for Sardinian Warblers, exceeding the five in 1988 and five in 1990; the trend is clearly up­ ward, except for the complete and inexplicable absence in 1989. Of the 25 previously accepted records, 21 were males, so die four (trapped) females this year go some way towards restoring the balance. The Greater London record, surely one of the most astonishing and unpredictable occurrences of the year, is the first inland. The long-staying individual in Shetland recalls two previous individuals (both also males) at Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire, one from 30uh June to 15th September 1979 and the second from 6th July to 31st August 1986.

Riippell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli (0, 3, 1) Norfolk Holme, first-winter, 31st August to 4th September (A. Banwell, G. F\ Hibberd, R. G. Millington et al.) (plate 104). (Coastal regions of East Mediterranean; winters Northeast Africa) Only the fourth for Britain, and the first on the mainland - a fact much appreciated by the many who went to see it and by the Norfolk Naturalists' Trust which or­ ganised a very efficient queuing and viewing system and boosted its funds from the contributions made by the happy throngs of satisfied birders. Previous records were on Mainland, Shetland, from mid August to mid September 1977, on Lundy, Devon, in June 1979 and on Whalsay, Shetland, in October 1990. 516 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Desert Warbler Syhia nana (0, 8, 1) Devon Mount Gould, Plymouth, 19th-26th October (P. Aley el al.) (plate 103). 1991 Humberside Flamborough Head, first-winter, 13th October to 5th November, trapped 13th (P. A. Lassey, P.J. Willoughby et al). 1991 Kent Seasalter, 3rd-5th November, photographed (J. T. Shilling et al.). (Middle East, Central Asia and Northwest Sahara) The year 1991 becomes the best for this species, with three records; this year's bird is the earliest by one day; all have been in the period 19th October to 2nd January.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (13, 201, 29) Cumbria Arnside, in song, 9th June (J. Gregory, R. Irving et al.). South Walney, trapped, 30th June, photographed (T. Dean, R. Woodland, P. Zaltowski et al.) (plate 190). Devon Wembury Point, 22nd September (P. F. Goodfellow). East Soar, 27th September (P. Saunders et al.). Dorset Portland, in song, trapped, 10th June (M. Cade, M. Rogers et al). Fife Isle of May, 29th May J. Conner, N. Mann et al); first-winter, trapped, 28th August J. Calladine, N. Mann). Grampian Rattray Head, in song, 31st May (L. T. A. Brain, T. W. Marshall, A. Webb el al). Girdleness, first-winter, 23rd-24th August (S. A. Reeves, R. A. Schofield, K. D. Shaw et al). Humberside Spurn, in song, 1st June (D. P. Boyle, B. R. Spence et al). Man, Isle of Calf of Man, trapped, 12th June, photographed (N. V. & Mrs M. McCanch). Norfolk Blakeney Point, in song, 30th May (G. E. Dunmore, S. C. Joyner, A. M. Stoddart et al). Waxham, in song, 31st May (T. R. & Mrs J. Barker, T. Nicholson et al). Blakeney Point, 5th-7th September (M. I. Eldridge, A. M. Stoddart et al). Orkney Sanday, 28th May (E. R. Meek). Stronsay, 26th-28th August, photographed (J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway). Shetland Fetlar, 3rd June (A. Aitken, A. Stanbury, B. Thomason). Fair Isle, 1st June (P. S. Castle, C. J. Cox, Or R. Riddington et al); another, trapped, 2nd June, presumed same, 9th

Fig. II. Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides, Fair Isle, Shetland, 12th August 1992 (Stephen Votitr) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 517 iP. V. Harvey, R. Taylor et al.); 12th August (S. C. Votier et at.) (tig. 1 1); first-winlrr. 24th-26th August, trapped 24th (P. V. Harvey, S. G. Votier et al.); first-winter, trapped, 30th (G. Bradshaw, P. V. Harvey el al.). Whalsay, tirst-winler, trapped, 21st August: first-winter, trapped, 22nd (J. L. Irvine, Dr B. Marshall), Geosetter, 23rd August (H. R. Harrop); Hrst-winter, trapped, 19th September [J. N. Dyinond, G, j. Hinchon, T. J, Lawrence et til.). Suffolk Landguard, in song, trapped, 28th May (M. G. Marsh, N. Odin. S. H. Piotrowski et at.). Trimlev St Marv, in song, 7th June (A. G. Gough, S. Lovric et al.). Tyne & Wear Prior's Park, 1 llh September (,Vi. P. Garruthers). 1983 Scilly St Mary's, first-winter, 26th September to 4th October (Brit. Birds 78: ,r)76), as Green Warbler /-•. niiidus. now regarded as eonspecific [Brit. Birds 86: 229). 1987 Scilly Gugh, first-winter, showing the characters of P. I. plumbeitarsus, sometimes known as Two-barred Warbler, 22nd-27th October, photographed (G. Bradshaw, J. H. VV. Ridley et at.). 1990 Shetland Whalsay, first-winter, 5th-7th October, trapped 5lh (G. K. Gordon, Dr B. Mar­ shall, A. S. Vials el at). 1990 Yorkshire, North Filey, 25th-28th August Q. Sanderson, H. j. Whitehead et all 1991 Kent Kingsgale, in song, 8th June (F. Solly. M. P. Sutherland et al). (Eurasia, east from tNorthcrn Germany; winters Pakistan, India and Indochina) A record year, with 15 of the 29 records in spring, exceeding the previous best year, 1987, by seven records. As recently as 1987 and 1988, comments emphasised that the best time to see this species in Britain was the second half of August, for at that time there were only about a dozen June records and four in May. Analysis of spring 1992 records shows arrival peri­ ods of 28th May to 3rd June and again during 7th-12th June; autumn records conform to the late-August period, with arrivals during 21st-28th August, but there were as many during September. Whilst this spread of records undoubtedly reflects the prevailing southerly and southeasterly condi­ tions (which included warm blasts of air from the Sahara), this species is clearly on the increase, and, with eight of the spring 1992 records being of singing males, how long will it be before the first ones breed? The decision by the BOU Records Committee to regard the distinctive forms P. t. nitidus ('Green Warbler') and P. t. plumbeitarsus ('Two-barred Warbler') as races of Greenish Warbler will be followed by British Birds; the BOURG does, however, note that further research on this group is urgently required.

Arctic Warbler Phylhscopus borealis (19, 151, 9) Northumberland Fame Islands, 29th September (W. -Vtakin). Orkney North Roualdsay, three: Hrst-winter, 30th August to 1st September, trapped 30th, pho­ tographed (J. Gaineron. A. M Duncan, Dr K. F. Woodbridge et at.); 31st August (M. Gray el al.); first-winter, trapped. 21st September, photographed (G, M. Buchanan, A. K. Duncan, I.Jones el «/.! (plate 191). Scilly St Agnes, 20th September (P. D. Hyde et al.); another, 28th (S. G. Addinall, K. D. Shaw et al.). Shetland Sumburgh, first-winter. 5th~fith September, trapped 5th (J. Gliiton, P. M. Ellis et a/.). Lerwick, 28th-30lh September ('I'. P: Drew el al.). Scalloway, :5rd-5th October (K. Hudson, K. Osborn et al.). 1991 Tyne & Wear Sunderland, 12th October (S.J. Ling, J. S. McDowell). (Northern Fennoscandia east to Alaska; winters Southeast Asia) The nine 1992 records follow on from the good year in 1991; September is undoubt­ edly the month to see Arctic Warblers in Britain, along the East Coast from Shetland south to Norfolk and in Scillv; totals are lower in August and October, and there are also two records in July and November; spring records are unknown. 189. Above, first-summer male Sardinian Warbli Syhia melanocephala, Formby, Merseyside, May 19S {Dcwid Ogle)

The British Birds Rarities Committee is sponsored by

188. Left, first-winter Blyth's Reed Warbler Acro- cephalus dumetorum, Low Hauxley, Northumberland, August 1991 {D. C.Jardine) 190. Top, Greenish Warbler Phjlhscopm Irochiloida, South Walney, Cumbria, June 1992 (David Saiterlhwaite)

191. Centre, first-winter Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus boreafo, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, September 1992 [A. Duncan)

192. Right, first-winter Thrush Nightingale Lusania kscinia, Fair Isle, Shetland, September 1992 (Dave Harm) 520 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 PaUas's Leaf Warbler Piiyilmcopm pmregulus (3, 548, •-) 1982 Humberside Kiamborough Head, 10lh-13th October (P. A. Doherty el at,. 1985 Humberside Flamborough Head, 22nd-26th October, (rapped '22nd; another, 23rd-2hh (A. S, Butler, R, C. Hart,J. Mclaughlin). 1989 Humberside Kiamborough Head, three: 8tfi-9th October (G. P. Catiey, D. G. Hobson, i'. A, Utssry), probably I wo, lOth-lIth (P, A. lassey), three. !2lh, one to I4(h (P. A. Lassey, J. M. Pearson), 1990 Humberside Grimston, 18th October (A. & T. Ishcrwood). 1990 Tyne & Wear Marsdeu, dapped, 18th Octol)er (J. Strowger, S. Westerberg et at.). (Central, East and South Asia) Hit- 1982 record takes the total for that year to an incredible 128; it was years such as that, and the 59 in 1987 and 64 in 1988, that persuaded the Committee that this species, despite its obvious charm and appeal as the spirit of late autumn, and the great distance it had travelled to reach Western Europe, was no longer the. great, rarity that it once was, and so it was removed at the end of December 1990 from the list of species considered.

Radde's Warbler Phylloscopus schwwsj- (1, 131, 3} Cleveland .South Gare. .'ird October, photographed i'R. C. Hart el at.) (plate 194;. Shetland Sumburgh, iirsi-vvinter, trapped, 4th October {J. Goutts, P. M. KHis, J. 1"). Okill el at). Sussex, East Icklesham, (irst-winter, trapped, 30th September f I'. Squire el at). 1988 Humberside Kiamborough Head, trapped, Kith October, photographed (1. Doian, P. A. J-assry, j. .V!. Pearson el at.): another. 17th (P. A. Lassey,. 1990 Humberside Klamtxrrough Head, trapped, 13th October (R. Barnes, P. A. Lassey, V. A. lister el a/.); 20th October (liril. Birds 85: 545), observer's did not include 1.). Quinn. 1991 Bedfordshire Priory Country Park, first-winter, trapped. 12th October (T). Kramer. L. Newman) 'lint. Ilnrh 85: plate 100:. 1991 Grampian Girdleness. I lib October (IS. Pico/.zi, B..J. Stewart, M. A. Sullivan el at.). 1991 Humberside Kiamborough Head, lOlli October (J. McLoughlin el. at.). 1991 Norfolk Holkham Meals, I Ith October ;'S. R. Mawbv. M. Rodgere); 2(ith-28t.h October 'G. & 1). K. Lamsdell, M. 1„ S. Rooncy el at.). Happisburgh, 12th October (P. J. Heath, B. YV. Jaivis el at,. 1991 Suffolk Lanclguard, lirst-wimer. 8th-9th October, trapped, photographed (H. R. & Mrs M.J. Beecroli el at). ('Central and East Asia; winters Southeast Asia' The three accepted 1992 records, all in the live-day period 30th September to 4th October (about a week earlier than usual), represent the poorest total since the solitary- 1986 record. For die first time since the completely blank 1983, tiierc was none in Scilly. This is in complete contrast to 1991, when, with the addition of the acceptances given here, there was a record 22, one ahead of the previous best in 1988.. In the period 8th-12th October 1991, no icwer than 18 arrived or were (bund in nine counties stretching from Shetland to Kent, including the second inland record (in Bedfordshire). In addition to the above, a record at Crudcn Bay, Grampian, on 1.2th November 1.989 was accepted as cither this species or Dusky Warbler P. juscalus. One further 1992 record remains under consideration by the Committee, pending photographic evidence.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus [meatus (1, 105, 13'; Cornwall Kenidjack, t>th-13th November (J. Ghesher, J. K. Ryan el at). Harlyn Bay, 14th-20th December (S. M. Christophers el at:. Essex Walton-on-the-Naw, 10th-12th October (I)r S. Cox. A.J. A. Dally, D. A. Holland et at,. Humberside Oowden. 7th October (W. K. Curtis). Spurn, first-winter, trapped, 21st October (I). P. Boyle el at,. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 521

Kent St Margaret's, 12th October (]. & P. Chantler, I. P. Hodgson). Shetland Scalloway, 1st October iK. Osbomj. Noness, Ist-2nd October iP. M. Ellis, j. McKcc et alX Whalsay, first-winter, 2nd-3rd ()ctober, trapped 2nd; (irst-winter, trapped, 1th ;Dr B- Mar­ shall rt ill). Dale of" Walls. 1th October (l)r O. V. Mackenzie). Suffolk VVestleton, 20th November (H. K. Axell). Sussex, East (lombe Haven. BexhiU-on-Sea, 26th ()ctober (M. P. Sutherland). 1988 Humberside Hamborough Head, trapped, 25th October, photographed (P. A. I,assey, M. Newsome. P.J. Wiiloughby d utx 1990 Humberside Hamborough Head, 21st October iBrit. Birds 85: 545), first observed 20th J). Quiimi. Blaektolt Sands, ltlth-11th November (A. Grieve, A. & S. Norris, P. A. Ward et ai). 1991 Dorset Hengistbury Head. 29th October (D. JN. Smith!. 1991 Humberside Hamborough Head, 13th-15th October, trapped 15th. photographed {). CI [.amplough, P. A. Lassey. VI. Newsome et uiX 26th October to 2nd November, trapped 26th. photographed (P. A. Lassey, P.J. Wiiloughby ft atX 1991 Lothian Scoughall, :«)th October '(D.J. Bates). 1991 Norfolk Blakeney Point. 10th October (D. M. Jones, B.J. Robson). Sheringham, 27th-31st October iBrit. Hints 85: 545), trapped 27th, 29th, photographed (D. H. Sadler). 1991 Suffolk Dunwich, trapped, 27th October, photographed (H. E. Axell. Sir A. G. Hurrell, D.J. Pearson). (Central and Northeast to Southern Asia; winters Northern India and Southeast Asia) '['he fortunes and annual tides of Radde's P. schwarzi and Dusky Warblers reaching Britain continue to conflict and confuse. There were 13 Dusky and three Radde's in 1992, of which only the five Dusky Warblers in Shetland arrived within the same five-day period as the Radde's. In 1991, for which, with the addition of these late acceptances, the total for Dusky now moves to ten, only one (in Norfolk) occurred with the main arrival of Radde's during 8th-12th October (though a second in Humberside occurred a day later). Conversely, the main period for Dusky Warbler in 1991 was around 26th-27th October, when seven arrived. The best years for Dusky have been 1987 and 1990, with 19 and 20 records respectively, whilst the peak years for Radde's have been 1988 and 1991, with totals of 22 and 21 respectively. The one at Harlyn Bay, Cornwall, is the latest by almost a month and the first December record in Britain (one in Ireland which was found dying in Co. limerick on 5th December 1970 had been ringed the previous May on the Calf of Man).

Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bomlli (3, 113, 6) Man, Isle of Gall'of Man, adult, 18th-19th September, trapped 18th, 19th, photographed. Ibund dead 19th, skin retained by observers (N. V. & Mrs M. McGarich). Orkney North Ronakfeay, 27th September (P.J. Donnelly, F. Maroevic) (fig. 12, on page 523). Shetland Fair Isle, 30th September (A. A. &J. Clifton et ai). Exnaboe, adult, 1 1 ill-15th October, possibly since 4th, trapped 14th {). Gregory, K. Osborn.J. Poison et at.). Tyite & Wear Prior's Park, 6th October Q. Bishop, Dr G. Bradshaw, M. P, Carruthers et at). Yorkshire, North Filey, 19th September, presumed same, 27th-28lh, photographed (J. M. Ttir- ton et ai) (plate 111). 1972 Cleveland Wilton, then North Yorkshire, 20th August (Brit. Birds 66: 349), now considered inadequately documented. 1972 Yorkshire, North See above. 1989 Yorkshire, North Filey, 13th September (J. E. Kogan, J. M. Turton). 1990 Cornwall The lizard, 13th September (B. Gave, A. R. Pay). 1991 Dyfed Skokholm, 31st August (M. Beds). 1991 Kent Minnis Bay, 27th October to 9th November (K. A. Hando, C. A. Osborne, D. W. Taylor et al). 193. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligaia, Spurn, Humberside, June 1992 (R. C. Wilson)

194. Radde's Warbler Phyttoscopus schwarzi, South Gare, Cleveland, October 1992 (R. C. Hart) Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 523

Fig. 12. Bonelli's Warbler Phylbscopus bonelli, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, September 1992 (P. J. Donnelly) (Central, West and South Europe, Levant and Northwest Africa; winters northern Africa) The best year since 1984, but 1976, with 11 records, remains well ahead of all other years. A good autumn, with all records in the period mid September to mid October, but there has been none in spring since two in Norfolk in April and May 1988. A late record of one in Norfolk in November remains to be assessed by the Committee.

Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albkollis (2, 14, 1) Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, 6\ 24th May (T.J. Dix, J. Vaughan). (Central and Southeast Europe and West Russia; winters Africa) The first since 1986. Of die total of 17 records for Britain, 13 have been in May, two in June and singles in September and October; all except this bird and uhree individuals in Caernarvon (1957), Cumbria (1964) and Scilly (1984) have been on the East Coast. Further reports from Dungeness, Kent, and Suffolk in early May are still being assessed by die Committee.

Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla (0, 16, 0) 1979 Dorset Portland, trapped, 7th May (A. J. Bundy, D. E. Paull, M. Rogers et al). 1983 Kent St Margaret's, trapped, 24th September (J. R. H. Clements, A. J. Greenland). 1984 Kent Dungeness, trapped, 15th, 19th April (S. D. McMinn et al). 1988 Kent Sandwich Bay, 19th-25th October, trapped 19th (K. B. Ellis, W. E. Fletcher, NV. McCanch et al). 1990 Kent Sandwich Bay, trapped, 7th November, photographed (C. Solly, S. Stansfield, J. H. van der Dol). (Central and Soudi Europe, Asia Minor and North Africa) These belated acceptances take die British total to 16, of which 13 have been in Kent.

Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (0, 59, 2) Gwynedd Llyn Rhos Dhu, Anglesey, 21st October (N. E. Gammon, C. Kighdey, Mrs P. Wal­ ton et al). 524 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Yorkshire, North Knaresborough, c5. alloy ring, right leg, I9th-20th September (R. & Mrs S. Evison.J. R. Mather el at.) (plate 195). 1988 Humberside Blackloli Sands,

Isabelline Shrike Lartius habellinus (1, 35, 0) 1991 Kent North r'oreland, first-winter, 28th October f'K. Lord, M. 1*. Sutherland). 1991 Orkney North Ronaldsay,

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanhts minor (32, 108, 1) Devon Otterton, 9th July (Mrs Iv J. Brookes, D. & Mrs J. Cullen, P. W. EUicott el all IIU.IANl) 1991 Waterford Dungarvan, 20th to 24th September. (South and East Europe and Southwest Asia; winters East and South Africa) A less-than-average showing.

Great Grey Shrike Ijmius excubitor (1,3, 2) Individuals showing the characters of the eastern race L. e. pallidirostris were recorded as follows: Cornwall Cape Cornwall and Kenidjack Cant, 21st-23rd April, photographed (A. R. Birch, R. Hathway, J. F. Ryan el at.) (fig. 9, on page 503; plates 196 & 197 on page 527). Suffolk Kasloti Bavettts and Southwokl, age uncertain, 4th-7th October, photographed (W. J. BramcJ. M. Cavvston, K. W. Patrick el at). 1989 Dorset Portland, first-winter, 1st November (G. Walbridge, J. Williamson a at.). (Southern and Eastern Siberia) The first since 1986 and the total for the British Isles now moves to six. The Cornish individual is the first in spring; September-November arc the other months of occurrence.

Woodchat Shrike Lanka senator (101, 485, -) 1990 Devon Prawle Point, 21st March (D, E. Balmer, P. St: Pierre et at.). (West, Central and South Europe, Southwest Asia and North Africa; win­ ters North and West Africa) This record takes the 1990 total to 23; it is also the fourth March record in Devon for that year and the seventh ever (all of which were in 1990). This species was dropped from the list of species consid­ ered by the Committee at the end of 1990.

Rosy Starling Stumus roseus (160, 215, 5) Cornwall Sennen, juvenile, 20th September (S. Hey). Devon l,imdy, adult, llth-13th August, photographed (J. Alfbrd, A. M. jewels Hal.}. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 525

Essex Bradlield, adult, 9th-11th June (R. & K. Dowsett et at.). Glamorgan, Mid keufig and Skcr area, juvenile, 20th September to 4th October (O. ,J. Leyshon, L & Mrs 11 Murley el aL), Orkney Stronsay, adult, 4th- 10th July, photographed (J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway et aL). 1987 Yorkshire, West Wakefield, adult, 23rd June, photographed (Miss S. Pettitt per S. P. Singleton'). 1991 Cornwall Penzance, juvenile, 7th-10th October {.VI. V. Sneary et aL). 1991 Cambria South Wall ley, juvenile, 6th-8th September (T. Dean, C. Raven, J. Robinson- Dean;. 1991 Devon Hope Cove, juvenile, 3rd-4th September (Brit. Birds 85: 548), 7th J. Martini. 1991 Highland Thurso, juvenile, 13th November J. Smith el at.). 1989 At sea Sea area Hurnber, 53° 02' N 02° 15' K, 48 km northeast of Great Yarmouth, Nor­ folk, adult, 7th June, photographed (C. W. Smith). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia; winters India) Three summer adults and two autumn juveniles: a below-average showing. At: least five other records have yet to bo submitted to the Committee, however, and several others remain under consideration. The first year since 1976 that none has appeared in Scilly. The late acceptances for 1991 take; the total for that year to 13, exceeded only by the 17 in 1983.

Red-eyed Vireo Vino olivaceus {1,73, 1) Strathclyde Arinagour, Coll. 3rd October (1. 1). Bullock). 1988 Highland Thurso, 8th November (P. M. Miller). 1990 Humberside Kilnsea, 30th September to 1st October, trapped 30th, photographed (A. Dixon, B. R. Spence el at). 1991 Cleveland North Care, 12th October {B.J. K. Caswell, M. N. Sidwell et at). 1991 Cornwall The Lizard, 30th September to 10th October (B. Cave et aL). 1RKI.AM) 1991 Wexford The bird referred to in Brit. Birds 85: 548-549 was present from 12th to 14th October. (North America; winters Cuba and northern South America) A poor year by recent standards six in 1991, ten in 1990 and 12 in 1988—no doubt re­ flecting the adverse conditions for a successful transatlantic crossing at the end of September and beginning of October. The bird in Highland in November 1988 is the latest ever (by about ten days) and it is tempting to speculate on its exact arrival date; otherwise, all records have been in the period 21st September to 29th October.

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni (30, 239, 9) Norfolk Gunton Park, 17th-19th February (A. P. Benson) (fig. 13). East Hading, 28th January to (>lh February (Mrs J, Dean el aL). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 16th February (D. Patterson, K. N. Scott, K. A. Wilson). Stromness, Mainland, 25th-28th April (E. R. Meek, Mr & Mrs S. Mowat). Shapinsay, 24th-27th October (P. & Mrs !,. Hollindrake). Shetland 1'Vtlar, 19th February (B. & C. Thomason). Fair Isle, 29th April (P. V. Harvey); 18th October {P. V. Harvey, C.J. Orsmari, Dr R. Riddingtorr el aL). Cunningsburgh, 18th-2()th Octo­ ber (CI. Donald, H. R. Harrop, M. G, Pennington et aL). 1982 Lincolnshire SaltJleetby, 21 si February to at least 13th April, trapped, not ringed, 21st March, photographed (G. P. Catley, M. Mellor et a!.). 1989 Suffolk Marllesham, 1 lth-28th January, photographed 0- A. Davis, M. C. Marsh el aL). 1990 Humberside Grimslon, 8th-9th December (A. & '1'. Fsherwood). 1990 Yorkshire, North Filey Brigg, lirst-winter, 19th-20th October, trapped 20th (P.J. Dunn, R. K. Harbird, H. J. Whitehead el all 1991 Bedfordshire New Waveudon Heath, 21st-28th March, another, 23rd-24th (Brit. Birds 85: 526 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 549): observers of first should include M. J. Palmer; second present 24th only; correct locality Asp- ley Heath. 1991 Kent Sevenoaks, 2nd March (Brit. Birds 85: 549), was not considered acceptable. 1991 Lincolnshire Linwood Warren, two, 21 st-27th January (K. D. Durose, S. P. Botham). 1991 Norfolk Sandringham, 17th January (M. E. S. Rooney). Mousehold Heath, twenty, 10th- 16th March [Brit. Birds 85: 549), 17th (R. M. Patient). 1991 Suffolk BlaxhaU Heath, 29th March (B.J. Small). 1991 Surrey Godstone 10th-l 1th March (R. J. & S.J. Aspinall, R. P. Bosanquet et al). 1991 Tyne & Wear Dunston-upon-Tyne, 13th February (K. Bowey). (Circumpolar Arctic; spreads erratically south in winter) Four of the records were of birds seen on one day only, and five occurred during April and October, all indicating passage movement. Details of at least one other have not yet been reported to the Committee.

Fig. 13. Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni, Gunton Park, Norfolk, 17th-19th February 1992 (A. P. Benson)

Two-barred Crossbill Loxia kucoptera (40, 75, 0) 1987 Shetland Fair Isle, 9, 28th August (A. D. Warren and YOC group). 1990 Derbyshire Upper Derwentdale, 6, 1 ldi November (K. R. Gould). 1990 Kent Bedgebury, juvenile or first-winter 9, 7th October to 11th November (Brit. Birds 84: 499), another, at least 13th October, photographed (K. A. & Mrs M. A. Hook et al]. 1990 Norfolk Sandringham Warren, 6\ 29th September J. R. Williamson et al.) (Brit. Birds 84: plate 92). 1990 Yorkshire, North Dalby Forest, 3, 3rd December (W. F. Curtis). (Northeast Europe, North-central Asia, northern North America and Hispaniola; winters soutfi and west of breeding range) The late acceptances for 1990 take the total of records in this most recent invasion year to 22, sec­ ond only to die numbers, (mostiy juveniles) involved in die localised invasion of the Northern Isles in August 1987. 195. Right, male Penduline lit Retmz pendulinm, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, September 1992 (Jack Ijfflme)

196 & 197. Below, Great Grey Shrike Lamus ex- aMtor of eastern race pallidirostris. Cape Cornwall. Cornwall, April 1992 (Ren Halhway) 528 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Parrot Crossbill Loxia pyfyopsittacm (10. 478, 0) 1990 Durham Hamsteriey Forest, up to len, 7th November to 10th March 1991 :A. L. Arm­ strong, B. Lmwin et at.). 1990 Norfolk Sprowston, 3. 29th November to 1st December, two 9 9, 29th November, 2nd December. 9. 1st. 3 photographed {('. & J. R. LansdeilX 1990 Northamptonshire Wakerley Great Wood, OJ, 25th November to at least 9th January 1991 :S, P. Botham el at.}: 9. 22nd November to at least loth March 1991 (R. F. Burrows. P. (lanipbe.ll el al.}. 1990 Nottinghamshire The Dukeries. ihree 33, two lirst-winter 33. I wo 9 ?, 14th Decem­ ber IO Itith February 1991 (I). Hursthouse d al). 1990 Tyne & Wear (Ihopwell Woods, at least 27, 17lh November to at least. 26lh December. 3 3, trapped: 20th November; three, 21st; two, 5th December; $9, Irapped: 20lh, 21st Novem­ ber (K. Bowey, S. Westcrberg et al.) (Brit. Birds 84: plate 90). 1991 Cleveland Birk Brow, up to 47, lst-18th March, at least 22 photographed I'M. A. Blick, D. J. Britton, J. Youngs et al). probably included six, l.orkwood Beck Reservoir, since i 1th November 1990 (Brit, Birds 84: 500). 1991 Durham See 1990 above. 1991 Northamptonshire Wakerley Great Wood, 3. 2nd March (A. H.J. Harmp), probably since 1990 above. 1991 Nottinghamshire See 1990 above. 1991 Yorkshire, North Oakdale, Osmolheriy, seven, including 3, 31st March (P. Kerr), pre­ sumed lour of same, including three 3 3,9, 13th April (\1. J, Hobbs, j. C Lowen, A.J. Mus- grove et al). (Scandinavia and West Russia; periodically spreads south and west in win­ ter) None in 1992; these acceptances take the totals lor the invasion to 267; the March and April records given here are the final records of a large-scale irruption that began with the arrivals in Shetland in the last week of September 1990. Several more records relating to that period remain under consideration.

Trumpeter Finch Bucamtes githagineus (0, 6, 1) Highland Balnakeil, near Durness, 3, 4th June, photographed (Dr M. H. Blattner et al) (plates 198 & 199). (Southeast Spain, Canary Islands, Northern Africa and Southwest Asia) The first since 1987 and the seventh ever; five have now occurred at the end of May or beginning of June. This record, so far north for an overshooting mi­ grant in late spring, recalls similar records in Sutherland (June 1971) and Orkney (1981).

Pine Grosbeak Pinicok enuckator (8, 2, 1) Shetland Lerwick, 3, probablv first-year, in song, 25th March to at least 25th April (P. Barry et at.) (Brit, Birds 85: plates 201, 205). (Scandinavia across Asia and North America) The first since May 1975 and only the tenth record (eleventh individual) for Britain and Ireland, of which only six have been this century. During the early part of this bird's stay, the interest in its occurrence was such that it made the national news, becoming doubly newsworthy when it was reported (apparently without foundation) that the bird was having difficulty finding food, through lack of its favoured pines on Shetland, and birdwatchers were becoming concerned for its welfare. Pine Grosbeaks periodically undertake fairly large-scale invasions into southern Scandinavia from farther east. The last sizeable invasion involving thousands was in 1976-77, but a smaller-scale arrival took place in 1989-90, and in such 198 & 199. Male Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus. Balnakeil, Highland, June 1992 (M. H. Blaltner)

200. Below, female or immature Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola, Inner Fame, Northumberland, September 1992 (Jack /Mime) 530 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 years there has been widespread, but unfulfilled, expectation (and predictions) of birds arriving on the cast coast of Britain. The one in 1992 arrived in a year when there were no reported invasions into southern Scandinavia.

Northern Parula Parula americana (0, 14, 1) Scilly St Mary's, 8lh-l0th October (D. Helliar, B.J. Mathews, B.J. Widdcn el al). (North America; winters Central America) The first since one on Dursey Island, Co. Cork, in September 1989 and two in England (Cornwall and Dorset) in 1988. Of the total of 15 records (the first was in 1966), five have been in Scilly, four in Cornwall and three in Dorset. Usually a confiding species, this individual was, at times, very difficult to see as it foraged in thickly ivy-clad trees.

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia (0, 2, 1) Orkney North Ronaldsay, first-winter <$, trapped, 24th August (A. E. Duncan, A. Mitchell, K. A. Wilson d al). 1990 Shetland Helendale, Lerwick, S, 3rd-4th November (lint. Birds 84: 500, plate 97), age/sex uncertain. (North and Central America; winters south to Peru) In the hand, this indi­ vidual was provisionally identified as a first-winter male of the eastern race aes- tiva. It is the earliest of the three British records (and is also the earliest autumn date for a transatlantic crossing by an American passerine) by two days, and recalls the first on Bardsey, Gwynedd, in August 1964. The dates reflect the early departure of Yellow Warblers from the breeding areas in the forests of northern Canada and Alaska, none of which makes it any easier to understand the second record in Britain, in Shetland in the first week of November 1990.

Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina (0, 1, 1) Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, 10th September (T.J. Dix,J. Vaughan). (North America; winters south to Panama) The second British record of this, the most unlikely of the American warblers to have reached this side of the Atlantic; the first was on St Agnes, Scilly, in September 1970. Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus (0, 2, 0) 1981 Suffolk Eandguard Point, 30th June to 8th July (Brit. Birds 75: 531; 86: plate 201). 1991 Norfolk Waxham, 15th-17th May (B. W. Jarvis et at.) (Brit. Birds 84: plates 306 & 307). (North America; winters south to El Salvador) The 1981 record, previously published in Category D, is now admitted to the British and Irish List (Brit. Birds 86: 229) and enters the statistical record. For all that their journey from the New World has to be assumed to be natural, the geographical coincidence suggests that both had hitched a lift somewhere along the way to the North Sea. Nonetheless, the timing of both occurrences conforms to fhat of numer­ ous other North American seed-eaters over the years. Will the next be in the year 2001?

White-throated Sparrow ^pnotrichia albicollis (1, 16, 2) Lincolnshire Willingham, 5th December to 28th March 1993, trapped 5th December, photo­ graphed (N. Bray, S. A. Britton, G. P. Catley et al) (plates 202 & 203). Suffolk Trimlcy St Mary, 31st May to 8thJune (W.J. Bramc, E. W. Patrick a al) (Brit. Birds 85: plate 295; 86: plate 204).' Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 531 (North America) Much of what is said in the comment under the previous species may be applied to die Suffolk record, since it was remarkably close to Felixstowe docks. The first since 1989 and the eighteenth and nineteenth for Britain and Ireland. The dates of die Suffolk bird coincide with those o( die ten previous spring records, and the one in Lincolnshire (which lived in a small clump of hawthorns in a clearing in the middle of a huge Forestry Commission plantation and survived some extremely cold midwinter nights) is die third to overwinter here.

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemails (1, 14, 1) Strathclyde Hamilton, 6, 3rd-4th May, photographed (I. & Mrs J. Shcddon et al.). (North America) The sharp eyes of the observers feeding the sparrows in their back garden detected this bird, die sixteenth for Britain and Ireland and the fifdi in Scodand. May is die peak mondi for records of diis species, and gardens are the habitat in which dicy occur most frequendy.

Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos (2, 17, 2) Greater London Dagcnham Chase, 3, 12th February to 17th March (K. Barrett, L. Harrison et al.) (Brit. Birds 85: plates 204, 207). Northumberland Cresswell, 8, 29th January to 19th February, photographed (I. Fisher et al) (plate 127). (Urals, across Asia to Sakhalin; winters Middle East, India, China) These two prolonged stayers provided ample opportunities for observers to get fully acquainted widi die species; the Northumberland individual proved somewhat elusive on occasion, but die Dagenham one never failed to put on a good show, much to the delight of over 2,000 birders and otiier admirers. The total now stands at 21 for Britain (there are no records for Ireland), and 11 of these have been in the Northern Isles. The record of a female at Big Waters Nature Reserve, Tyne & Wear, in 1990 remains under review {Brit. Birds 86: 378- 386).

201. Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammaiw\ Landguard Point, SufFolkjJuly 1981 QeffPick) 202 & 203. White-throated Sparrow £onotrkfiia albicottis, Willingham, Lincolnshire, December 1992 (G. P. Catlev)

204. Below, White-throated Sparrow Zpnot-rkhia albkollis, Trimley St Mary, Suffolk, June 1992 (Steve Toung/Birdwatch) 205. First-winter male Rustic Bunting Emberiza mstica, Landguard, Suffolk, October 1992 {Jack Leoene)

206. Female Rustic Bunting Emberiza mstica, near Nanjizal, Cornwall, October 1992 (Nigel Bean) 534 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Yellow-browed Bunting Emberiza ckrysophtys (0, 2, 1) Orkney North Ronaldsay, 22nd-23rd September (P.J. Donnelly et al) {Bril. Birds 86: 411-414). (Northeast Asia and East China; winters Southeast China) The third for Britain, and the earliest by about two weeks; the previous records were in Norfolk (1975) and Shedand (1980). This record immediately preceded a Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locusteila certhiola and was a week ahead of the female Siberian Thrush ^pothera sibirica in what was an outstanding autumn for North Ronaldsay.

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (34, 214, 14) Cornwall Near Nanjizal, 9, 7th-8th October, photographed (N. Hando, G. C. Stephenson et al.) (plate 206). Humberside Spurn, 27th-29th September (P. Bowman, D. P. Boyle et al.). Lincolnshire Saltfleetby, 22nd March, photographed (A. H.J. Harrop, A. C. Sims et al). Northumberland Holy Island, 6\ 31st May, photographed (M. J. Sharp et al). Fame Islands, 6\ 3rd October (W. Makin el al). Orkney Stronsay, 3rd October (J. Andrews, J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway). North Ronaldsay, 29th October to 2nd November (P. J. Donnelly, A. Mitchell el al). Shetland lair Isle, 9, 25th May (P. V. Harvey et al). Grutness, 6", 2nd June, same, Sumburgh, 3rd (A. & J. Clifton, J. & Mrs I. Miller el al). Sumburgh and Scatness, 27th-29th September (A. V. Moon, J. Warne, S. A. Webb et al). Sumburgh, 4th October (P. M. Ellis et al). Skaw, Unst, trapped, 4th October (C. Donald, K. Osborn, M. G. Pennington el al). Suffolk Iiindguard, first-winter 6*, trapped, 3rd October, photographed (R. Duncan, N. Odin el al.) (plate 205).' Western Isles Hirta, St Kilda, 6", 27th May (J. Vaughan). 1990 Shedand Sumburgh and Grutness, 9, 28th-30th May (Brit. Birds 84: 501), finders included S. Baldwin, N. A. Driver, D. Taylor. 1991 Cornwall Sennen, 14th October (Dr A. M. Hanby, B. Short, J. Young et al). 1991 Highland Baligill, Sutherland, in song, 16th-18th May, photographed (E. W. E. Maughan, J. Smith, J. Walker). 1991 Shedand Noss, 9, 27th May (R. Armstrong). 1991 Tyne & Wear Sunderland, 12th to at least 17th October (F. I. Mills et al). (Northeast Europe across to North Asia; winters Turkestan to China and _ Japan) A good year, and follows a slowly rising trend with previous peaks of 17 in 1990 and 19 in 1987. The Lincolnshire record is the earliest ever in Britain and predates two others in that month; apart from this record, the four others in spring arrived in the period 25th May to 2nd June, and eight of the nine autumn records were in the period 27th September to 8th October.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (93, 463, 13) Borders St Abb's Head, 3rd October (A. Kerr, D. Patterson). Cornwall St Columb Major, adult, 18th January to 2nd February, trapped 2nd, photographed (R. Burridge, S. M. Christophers, M. George). Grampian Balmcdic, 1st October (H. Gregoiy, Dr I. M. Phillips). Northumberland Cot klawburn Dunes, 29th September (G. W. Dodds). Orkney North Ronaldsay, 28th September to 6th October (A. Banwell, K. M. Wilson et al); 2nd-3rd October (P. J. & Mrs M. J. Donnelly, Mrs A. Tulloch); 4th-9th October, trapped 4th (A. E. Duncan, L. Wells el al). Scilly 'Fresco, 22nd-23rd October (D. Rhymes et al). Shetland Whalsay, at least two: 21st-24th September (M. I. Eldridge, J. L. Irvine, A. M. Stod- dart), probably same, 29th-30th (M. I. Eldridge, A. M. Stoddart); 25th September (M. I. Eldridge, Dr B. Marshall, A. M. Stoddart el al). Out Skerries, trapped, 3rd October (E. Tait). Fetlar, 3rd- 10th October (A. Aitken, B. Thomason). Fair Isle, 15th October (Dr R. Riddington, J. M. Turton el al). Surrey Frensham Eittle Pond, in song, 14th-17th April (S. P. Peters et al). 1989 Humberside Flamborough Head, 18th September (P. A. Eassey). Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 535

1990 Dorset Verne Common, 25th April (C. E. Richards). 1990 Scilly St Mary's, 13th-18th October (Brit. Birds 84: 502), 12th (S. Berry, J. Howarth el al). 1991 Devon South Milton Ley, first-year, trapped 23rd November, released 24th (R. Burridge, M. George et all). 1991 Northumberland Newbiggin, two, 10th October (C. Annan, A. Priest); another, 10th (T.J. Tarns). 1991 Yorkshire, North Filey, 12th- 13th October (S. Cochrane, D.J. & P. M. Scanlan, H.J. Whitehead). (Northeast Europe and North Asia; winters Turkestan to India and Southeast Asia) A fairly typical showing, diough 13 is slightly below the aver­ age of the last few years. The late 1989 record published here takes that year's total, die highest ever, to 50. The recent pattern of wintering in secluded spots, and occasional records in spring, is again shown in the 1992 records. Is this a very scarce wintering bird in Britain and northwest Europe or are these just records of late migrants which have run out of impetus and the urge to go anywhere else? This species will be dropped from the list considered by the Committee at die end of December 1993.

Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola (10, 146, 4) Norfolk Holme, 9 or immature, 19th-20th September (A. Banwell, W. Boyd, G. F. Hibberd et al.) (plate 105). Northumberland Fame Islands, 9 or immature, 18th-20th September (P. Allen, P. Bush et al) (plate 200). Orkney Stronsay, 5 or immature, 21st September J. F. & Mrs S. M. Holloway, M. Sutton el al). Shetland Fair Isle, 9 or immature, 17th-20th September (R. G. Bayldon, P. V. Harvey et at). 1991 Tyne & Wear Ryhope, 9 or immature, 22nd September (S.J. Ling) (fig. 14).

Fig. 14. Female or immature Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola, Ryhope, Tyne & Wear, September 1991 (S. J. ling)

(Northeast Europe across North Asia; winters India and Southeast Asia) Four records are about an average showing, but those away from the Northern Isles provided one of die surprises of the year. The vast majority are always in September. One further September 1992 report, from Shedand, remains under consideration. 536 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992' Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala (9, 83, 12) Cornwall Gwithian, d\ 20th May (P. A. Rutler). Orkney North Roualdsay, cJ, 15lh-27th July, trapped 17th, photographed (Dr K. F. Wood-. bridge el til.). Scilly Si Martin's, o\ I8th-23rd May (P. Larkin, 1). Osbom). Shetland Fair Isle, five: 9, 9th June (P. V. Harvey et aL); d\ 9, 10th (P. V. Harvey, R. Taylor); another d\ 10th J. Conlts, R. Taylor, S. C. Votier); 6\ 14th (J. & P. Shilton). Aithsetter, 9, 30th September to +th October, trapped 3rd (P. M. KUis, A. McCall el aL). Somerset Shapwick Heath, o\ 21st April (P. W. Luxlon). Suffolk Trimley St Maw, 6, 4th June (A. Banwcll el aL). Western Isles Drimsdale, South Uist, 6, 13th-21st August (T.J. Dix, G. Flogdell, A. M. Macaskill). (Southeast Europe and Southwest Asia; winters India) A typical spread of' records conforming to the pattern of late-May to June arrival, plus one late- summer and two autumn records; the timing of the late-spring arrival pattern compares well with that of other migrants from Southeast Europe and must surely be a strong indication of their origin. The exception to the rule, the April record in Somerset, is only the third for that month, the two previous being in 1979 in Norfolk and in Scilly. Details of at least four others have not yet been reported to the Committee. The previous best year was 1988, with eight. An indeterminate bird on Blakeney Point, Norfolk, on 10th-1 lth September 1989 posed considerable identification problems for those who saw it, and for the Committee; a 'warm apricot' wash to the rump and a deep 'chup' call- note suggested, however, that it was this species rather than a Red-headed Bunting E. bruniceps.

Bobolink Dotkhonyx myzivorus (0, 16, 1) Dorset Portland, 14th-18th September (A. S. & R. G. Brett, G. D. Uwis et aL) (plate 207). (North America; winters South America) The seventeenth for Britain and Ireland, but only the second on the British mainland (the first was in Devon in September 1991); all have been in the period 13th September to 12th October.

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater (0, 1, 0) 1988 Strathclyde Ardnave, Islay, d\ 21(h April (C. R. McKay). (North America; winters South and East USA and Mexico) This is the first record for Britain and Ireland, and the second for the Western Palearctic (the first was an adult female in Norway on 1st June 1987, Brit. Birds 82: 354). This species is currently greatly increasing in both numbers and range in the USA. The Islay record has been placed in Category A of the British and Irish List by the BOURC (Ibis in press).

Northern Oriole Icterus galbula (0, 18, 0) . Essex See 1991 Kssex, below. 1991 Essex Weslclilt'-on-Sca, first-year 3, 2nd December to 24th March 1992, photographed (J. Miller, R. Mullins, ('. Todd el al.) (plate 208). (North America; winters Mexico to Venezuela) Another strange bird-at-the- birdtable discovery; this is the eighteenth for Britain and Ireland, and the third record in the midwinter period. It is the first since (and strongly recalls) the long-staying individual at Roch, Dyfcd, from January to April 1989. 207. Bobolink Dolkhonyx oiyzivoms, Portland Bill, Dorset, September 1992 (B. E. Slade) 208. First-year male Northern Oriole Icterus galbula (with Greenfinch Carduelis chloris), Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, March 1992 (R. Mullins) 538 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 Almost next-door to the site of the Rose-breasted Grosbeak Phmcticus ludovi- cianus which occurred in December and January 1975 at Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, it adds one more to the inexplicable list of Nearctic passerines wintering in southeastern England, which includes the 1989 Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera and Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas in Kent.

Appendix 1. Category D species accepted (see Brit. Birds 64: 429) Monk Vulture Aegj/pius monachus (0, 1, 0) 1977 Powys Buikh Wells area, 29th November, and various localities in Dyfed to 20th February 1978, photographed (Robert A. Richardson, N. A. & the late Mrs I,. A. Tucker, K. E. Vinicombe el at.) [Brit. Birds 86: 229). 1978 Dyfed See above. 1978 Powys See above. (Eurasia from Iberia to Northern China; winters south to northern Africa, Arabia, India and southern China) Formerly rejected by the BOURC as almost certainly an escape from captivity, but possibility of natural occurrence now acknowledged (Ibis 135: 221).

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilia cedrorum (0, 1, 0) 1985 Shetland Noss, 25th-26lh June, photographed (Ms S. Crosthwaite, Mr & Mrs P. Leward, C. R. McKay) (Brit. Birds 86: 229). (North America; winters south to northern Soudi America) Whilst natural vagrancy is possible, this is also a not uncommon cage-bird (Ibis 135: 221).

Appendix 2. List of records not accepted This list contains all current records not accepted after circulation to the Committee. It does not include (a) those withdrawn by the observcr(s) without circulation, after discussion with the Hon­ orary Secretary; (b) those which, even if circulated, were not attributed by the observers) to any definite species; or (c) those mentioned in 'Seasonal reports' or 'Recent reports' in this journal, if lull details were unobtainable. Birds considered to be certain escapes are also omitted. In the vast majority of cases, the record was not accepted because we were not convinced, on the c\idcnce before us, that the identification was fully established; in onlv a vers' lew cases were we satisfied that a mistake had been made. 1992 White-billed Diver Hcngislbury Head, Dorset, 12lh May; Waxham, Norfolk, 6th December. Black- browed Albatross Portland, Dorset 7th October. Albatross Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, 31st May. Little Shearwater St Abbs, Holders. I5th April; Gwenuap Head, Cornwall, 9th August; St Osyth, Fisscx, I 1 111 September; Strumblr Head, Dyfed, 1st November. Wilson's Storm-petrel Rame Head, Cornwall, 14th August. Night Heron Alderley bdgc, Cheshire, 17th May. Cattle Egret Poole Harbour, Dorset, 1 Dili March; drove, Buckinghamshire. 4th May. Great White Egret Poole Harbour, Dorset, 10th July. American Wigeon Tircc, Strathclydc, 9, 21st May; Langsctt Reseivoir, South Yorkshire, 16th' March. King Eider Yel- lowcraig, Lothian. 6th February. Steller's Eider Minsmere, Suffolk, '28th September. Barrow's Goldeneye l.orh I.innhe, Strathelyde. (itli April. Black Kite Minsmere, Suffolk, 10th April; Salliouse, Norfolk, 25th April; Grcsham, Norfolk, <)th May; l'aston, Norfolk, 10th May; Stowmarkrl, Suffolk, 13th June; Bolbeny Down. Devon. 27th September. White-tailed Eagle Langton Herring, Dorset, 14th April. Eleonora's Falcon Horsey, Norfolk, 15lli June. Red-footed Falcon Minsmere, Suffolk, ,r)th May; Heatoll, West Yorkshire, 1.3th May; Stanford Reservoir. Leicestershire, Kilh May: Niton, Isle of Wight, Kith May; Thursley Common, Surrey, IHlh May: Strwarlby, Bedfordshire, 22nd May; Slinfold, West Sussex, 25th May; Chaddesden, Derbyshire, 26lh May; Cohvick, Nollillghamshirc, Isl June; Si Abb's Head, Borders, 2nd June; l''ingringhoc, Essex, 10th June; Kew Gardens, Greater Uindon. 17th June; Harrold, Bedfordshire, 22nd June; Dunkorv Beacon, Somerset, 25th .June; Tregaron. Dyled, Hlh July; Old Hall Marshes, bsscx, 20lh July; 'i'unslall Forest', Suffolk, 24lhjuly. Gyr Falcon Bownrss Common, Cumbiia, I3tli February; Brae, Shetland, 17lh February; Sea area Forties, 3rd October. Baillon's Crake [\ottii Ronaldsay, Orkney, 31st January. Pacific Golden Plover Fair Isle, Shet­ land, llh June; Pagham Harbour West Sussex, 15th August; Norton Feu. Lincolnshire, 24th August Baird's Sandpiper Chascvvalel, Slailordshite, 4th May. Long-billed Dowitcher f-nst. Shetland, 25th May. Dowitcher Spurn, Humbci-sidc, 26lll August; Castle Douglas, Dumfries & Galloway, 12th October. Marsh Sandpiper Tlirafc, Berkshire. 2fs( July. Greater Yellowlegs Montrose Basin, 'Fayside, flth May. Lesser Yellowlegs Avcton Gillbrd. Devon. 20ih September. Bonaparte's Gull Papa Westray. Orkney, Isl June; Brora. Highland, ftlil June. Iceland Gull ikiimlwni} SwiUinglon lugs. West Yorkshire. 5lh January; Aigburth. Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992 539

Mcrscysidc, 8th May. Ross's Gull St Ives, Cornwall, 11 ih November. Gull-billed Tern Dunbar, Lothian. 17th April; Spurn, Humbcrside, 10th June; Titchwell, Norfolk, 27th June; Ferrybridge. Dorset, 19th July. Caspian Tern Thornton Reservoir, Leicestershire, 20th June. Lesser Crested Tern Ahberton Reservoir, Essex, 14th August. White-winged Black Tern Rutland Water, Leicestershire, 19th May; Alton Water, Suf­ folk, 29th August. Alpine Swift New Brighton, Mcrscysidc, 6th March; Wesicliff-on-Sea, Essex, 18th March; Watford, Hertfordshire, 7th May; Southbournc, Dorset, 23rd May. Short-toed Lark Isle of May, Fife, 24th May; Blakcney Point, Norfolk, 27th May. Lesser Short-toed Lark Caldecotte Lake, Buckinghamshire. 2nd May. Crag Martin Blakcney, Norfolk, 18th May. Red-rumped Swallow Paignton, Devon, 19th May; Wil­ ton Brook, Cheshire, 8th August. Red-throated Pipit Benacre, Suffolk, 2nd May; Blakcney Point, Norfolk. third individual, 28th May. Citrine Wagtail Dunwich, Suffolk, 7th July. Alpine Accentor Walhcrswick, Suf­ folk, 23rd May. Rufous-tailed Scrub-robin Woodbury- Common, Devon, 19th August. Isabelline Wheatear Wadebridge, Cornwall, 3rd May. Blue Rock Thrush Hengistbury Head, Dorset, 25th July. Siberian Thrush Kirkwall, Orkney, 1st October. American Robin Thorpe-lc-Soken, Lssex, 27th Septem­ ber. Paddyfield Warbler Out Skerries, Shetland, 20th September; Tresco, Stilly, Mth October. Olivaceous Warbler Isle of Oxney, Kent, May to August. Booted Warbler Foula, Shetland. 4th-5th September. Green­ ish Warbler Out Skerries, Shetland, 29th August; Coombe Hill, Buckinghamshire, 9th September; Avon- mouth, Avon, 26th September. Radde's Warbler St Mary's, Scilly, 10th October. Bonelli's Warbler Porthgwarra, Cornwall, 13th October. Collared Flycatcher Worlingion, Suffolk, 21st April. Lesser Grey Shrike Lulworth Cove, Dorset, 15th June. Rosy Starling Holmes Chapel, Cheshire, 27th April; Last Mersea. Lsscx, 2nd June; Gower, West Glamorgan, 29th November. Trumpeter Finch Bletchingley, Surrey, 11th August. Rustic Bunting Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire, 29th July; Out Skerries, Shetland, 27th September. Little Bunting Out Skerries, Shetland, 19th September, three, 27th; Rain worth. Nottinghamshire, 19th Octo­ ber; Skomcr, Dyfcd, 23rd October. Black-headed Bunting Fair Isle, Shetland, 18th June.

1991 White-billed Diver Brora, Highland, ,r)th December. Black-browed Albatross Little Minch. 5th July. Little Shearwater Between Isle of Man and Dublin, 5th September; Keltleness Point, North Yorkshire, 7th September; Pendeen, Cornwall, 22nd September; Heysham, Lancashire, 24th September. Night Heron Cardiff, South Glamorgan, 15th December. Black Stork Barking, Greater London, 29th April. Ross's Goose Rockland St Mary and Claxton, Norfolk, 8th-19th February. American Wigeon Montrose Bay, Tayside, 22nd October. Blue-winged Teal Blacktoft Sands, Humbcrside, 23rd November. Canvasback Armathwaitc, Cumbria, 21st-22nd September. King Eider Strumble Head, Dyfed, 2nd October. Black Kite St John's Lake, Cornwall, 3rd May; King's Lynn, Norfolk, 23rd-28th May; Mountnessing area, Fssex, 14th June; Laxfbrd, Highland, 6th August. Red-footed Falcon West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, 20th June; near Wilstone Reservoir, Hertfordshire, 29th June. American or Pacific Golden Plover Skokholm, Dyfcd, 11th October; Scaforth, Mcrscysidc, 20th October. Semipalmated Sandpiper Slimbridgc, Gloucestershire, 24th-25th October. Baird's Sandpiper Stithians Reservoir, Cornwall, 7th, 19th August. Dowitcher Framp- ton-on-Severn, Gloucestershire, 20lh September. Marsh Sandpiper Stewart by, Bedfordshire, 18th September. Wilson's Phalarope Landulph Marsh, Cornwall, 27th September. Laughing Gull Shibdon Pond, Tvne & Wear, 11th February; South Shields, Durham, 12th February-; Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, 28th May. Franklin's Gull Holmpton, Humberside, 3rd September. Bonaparte's Gull Loch Hallan, South List, Western Isles, 13th June. Gull-billed Tern Pelt Level, East Sussex, 3rd July. Whiskered Tern Landguard, Suffolk, 3rd June. White-winged Black Tern Pendeen, Cornwall, 17th August. Brunnich's Guillemot Faversham Creek, Kent, 6th October. Great Spotted Cuckoo Sammy's Point, Humbcrside, 10th April; Harworth, South Yorkshire, 17th May. Short-toed Lark Unst, Shetland, 19th September. Calandra Lark Farmoor Reservoir, Oxfordshire, 19th August. Red-flanked Bluetail Flamborough Head, Humberside, 9th October. 'Siberian' Stonechat Fulstow, Lincolnshire, 8th March; Gwithian, Cornwall, 13th December. Dusky Thrush Martin's Haven, Dyfcd, 27th October. Dark-throated Thrush Rendall, Orkney. 4th October. Greenish Warbler Hunstanton, Norfolk, 10th October. Arctic Warbler Hollingbury Camp. Last Sussex, 6th October. Dusky Warbler Blakcney Point, Norfolk, 10th October. Collared or Semi-collared Flycatcher Holkham Meals, Norfolk, 4th September. Nutcracker Endon, Staffordshire, November; West Mersea, Essex, 2nd December. Arctic Redpoll Thorpe Marsh, South Yorkshire, 6th March. Two-barred Crossbill Wakerley Great Wood, Northamptonshire, 5th January; Lynford Arboretum, Norfolk, 15th April. Parrot Crossbill Harwood Forest, Northumberland, 13th January; Sheringham, Norfolk, 12th March; Mundford, Norfolk, 21st April. Nashville Warbler Cot Valley, Cornwall, 3rd October. Fox Sparrow Scnnen, Cornwall, 23rd October. Rustic Bunting St Mary's, Scilly, 22nd October. Little Bunting Willen Lake, Buckinghamshire, 23rd March; Tynemouth Head, Tyne & Wear, 14th October. Yellow-breasted Bunting Whitburn, Tyne & Wear, 1st September.

1990 Pied-billed Grebe Baggy Moor, Shropshire, 1st September. Albatross Strumble Head, Dyfcd. 12th September. Little Shearwater Portland, Dorset, 19th April. Double-crested Cormorant Drift Reservoir, Cornwall, 20th August; St Mary's, Scilly, lst-4th November. Black Stork Watford, Hertfordshire, 2nd May. Glossy Ibis Cardiff, South Glamorgan, 31st May. Ring-necked Duck South Shields. Tyne & Wear, 6th April; Hulc Moss, Borders, 7th October. Surf Scoter St Andrews, Fife, 7th October. Black Kite Well, Hampshire, 7th May; Sittingbournc, Kent, 13th May. White-tailed Eagle Stone Creek, Humberside, 22nd October. Red-footed Falcon Ovcrstrand, Norfolk, 20th May. Saker Falcon Weybourne, Norfolk, 23rd October. Gyr Falcon Thurso Bay, Highland, 19th November. Sora Crake Skomcr, Dyfed. 7th October. 540 Rare birds in Great Britain in 1992

American Golden Mover Swindled, Humberside, [8th April, American or Pacific Golden Plover Okehamptoii, Devon. 28th January. Terek Sandpiper Brcydon, Norfolk. 16th June. Spotted Sandpiper Lynhcr Fstuary, Cornwall, 10th October, Laughing Gull Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, 29th October. Slender- billed Gull Fling Great Marsh, Hampshire, 7th August. Ivory Gull Yell, .Shetland, 28th January. Gull- billed Tern Ranie Head, Cornwall, 16th, June. Great Spotted Cuckoo Wools ton Eyes, Cheshire, 18th Mareh. Alpine Swift Cray ford, Kent, 25th March. European Bee-eater Txx'h of Strathbeg, Grampian, 12th- 13th July. Short-toed Lark Blakcney Point, Norfolk, 12th October. Red-throated Pipit Southlield Reservoir, Hnmberside, 1th April; The lizard, Cornwall, 8th April. Lesser Grey Shrike Frodsham, Cheshire, 13th November, wrongly listed as Isahelline Shrike [Brit Birds 84: ,r>04). White-cheeked Starling Flamlsorough Head, Humberside, 17th-19th May (identilieation accepted, but considered to be a certain escape. Brit. Birds 86: 229). Rosy Starling Foreness, Kent, f 0th September. Two-harred Crossbill Wakeriey Great Wood, Northamptonshire. 15th December. Parrot Crossbill Harwood Forest, Northumberland, 25th November. Yellow-rumped Warbler Aldrtdge, West Midlands, 24th April.

1989 Pied-billed Grebe Dudd< >n Fstuary, Cumbria, 18th September, Litde Shearwater Mappleton, Humberside- 9th July; I'endeen, Cornwall, 26th August; Uisaed Point, Strathelyde, 'M)th August, 25th September. 23rd October. American Wigeon Vane Farm, Tavsirie, 9th January to 18th February: Loch Meet, Highland, 29th January. Ring-necked Duck Lower Tamar Fake, Devon, 29th August, Black Kite Couder Green. I .ancashire, 11thJuly, Red-footed Falcon Thohvall, Cheshire, 21st May; Kenlig, Mid Glamorgan, 1st June. Black-winged Pratincole Pagham Harbour, West Sussex. 11th October. Pacific Golden Plover Stcart. Somerset, 28l.h October. White-rumped Sandpiper landulph Marsh, Cornwall, 8th September; Hayle, Cornwall. 2nel October. Baird's Sandpiper Pagham Harbour, West Sussex, 26th September. Bonaparte's Gull Plym Fstuary, Devon, 5th January. Gull-billed Tern Lancing, West Sussex, 4th June; Flamborough Head, Humberside, 3rd July, 7th August. White-winged Black Tern Slapton Ley. Devon, 18th April; Keufig, Mid Glamorgan. 26th July. European Bee-eater Vatetey, Hampshire, 27th July; Kenlig, Mid Glamorgan, 27th August. Red-mumped Swallow Church Norton, West Sussex. 28th August. Common Whitethroat iilemps Bardsey, Gwynedd, 24th May. Pallas's Leaf Warbler St Margaret's, Kent. i'Mh October. Bonelti's Warbler West High Down, Isle of Wight, 14th September. Short-toed Treecreeper Langney Point. East Sussex, 3rd May. Penduline Tit Dungeness, Kent, 18th October. Savannah Sparrow Sea area Fastnet. 27tli October. Little Bunting St Mary's, Seilly, 22nd September; Verne Common, Dorset, 7th October.

1988 White-billed Diver Ness of D< incanshy, Highland, 2 1st January. Little Shearwater Flamborough Head, I lumberside, 9th August. Night Heron Newtown. Isle of Wight. 25th April. Blue-winged Teal Long Drag Pools, Cleveland. 29th August; Cheddar Reservoir. Somerset, 16th October. Black Kite Gibraltar Point, Lincolnshire. 17th April. Red-footed Falcon Allerton By water. West Yorkshire, !8th-25fh May. Semipal- mated Sandpiper Sidlcsham Ferry. West Sussex, 20th-30th November. Wilson's Phalarope Bnde, Corn- wall, 30th September to 1st October. Gull-billed Tern Flamborough Head, Humberside, 27th May. Bridled Tern Cressuell, Northumberland, 31st July. White-winged Black Tern Dungeness, Kent. 7th May. Mottled Swift Winterton, Norfolk, 24th October; Spurn, Humberside. 25th-27th October. Red-rumped Swallow Bowness-nn-Solway, Cumbria. 1st May. Black-eared Wheatear Salthonse, Norfolk, 17th October. Greenish Warbler Craigmill Den. Tayside, 16th October.

1987 White-billed Diver Samlsidc Head. Highland, 3ist January; Sandside and Melvteh Bays, Highland, 14th-16th August, Little Shearwater Sea area Sole, 16th September. Barrow's Goldeneye Wheldrake lugs, North Yorkshire, '.h\i November. Red-footed Falcon Dungeness. Kent, 3rd September. American Golden Plover Appleby Magna and NaiLstone, Leicestershire, 18th, 22nd October. Black Guillemot iskuuli- ru> Flamborough Head. Humberside, 25th November. Isabelline Wheatear Pennington Marsh, Hampshire, 24th October. Greenish Warbler Strumbie Head, Dyted, 23rd August. Bonelli's Warbler Hov\iek, Northumberland, 24th August.

1986 White-billed Diver Holy Island, NonhumlxTiand. 23rd February. Lopg-billed Dowitcher Hull

l)i«K litimlieradc.

1985 Arctic Redpoll Vane Farm, Tayside, 26th-29th January \Brii. Birds 8;r. :i54h not Highland.

1984 Red-footed Falcon Sheffield Lane 'Fop, South Yorkshire, 8th July

1983 Short-toed Treecreeper Duugeness, Kent. 30th September.

1982 Arctic Redpoll Searl jorough. North Yorkshire, early February.

1980 'Siberian' Stonechat Sefton Meadows, Merseyside, 27th May.

1975 Arctic Redpoll Knareshorongh, North Yorkshire, 2nd-13th March. Michael J. Rogers, 2 Churchtown Cottages, Towednack, St Ives, Cornwall TR26 3AZ-